Israeli airstrikes kill Hezbollah spokesman, attack UN shelter in Gaza

An Israeli airstrike in Beirut has killed Mohammed Afif, Hezbollah's chief spokesman and a prominent figure in the group’s media relations, who was formerly the head of its Al Manar TV network, at the Ba’ath party offices in Ras al-Nabaa, a densely populated area in central Beirut.

The attack, which caused significant damage to neighbouring buildings, marks the first Israeli airstrike in central Beirut since mid-October.

Afif had taken a leading role in representing Hezbollah following the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah in late September. Analysts suggest this targeted strike, which also resulted in other casualties, is notable for focusing on a media figure rather than a military leader.

The escalation comes amid indirect ceasefire negotiations, with Lebanon expected to respond to a U.S.-mediated proposal soon. Other Israeli strikes in Beirut targeted Hezbollah strongholds, with one in a residential-commercial area killing two and injuring 13. Lebanon’s army reported that two soldiers were killed in a separate strike in southern Lebanon, further complicating the situation.

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, targeting areas in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabaliya. The strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports of 34 deaths, including children, from a strike on a residential building in Beit Lahiya.

Humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza are described as dire, with limited access to basic necessities. Evacuation orders issued by Israel have raised concerns about forced displacement. Médecins

Sans Frontières has criticised the operations as aligning with alleged plans to displace Palestinians, though Israel denies such intentions, citing efforts to minimise civilian harm while targeting Hamas.

Israeli airstrikes have also caused casualties in Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, including attacks on aid distribution sites and a UN-run school sheltering displaced individuals. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is compounded by a tight siege and ongoing evacuations, with aid workers describing conditions as “apocalyptic.”

In Lebanon, Israeli operations have reportedly advanced up to five kilometres from the border, with the Israeli military targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and command centres. More than 3,400 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict began, according to the Lebanese health ministry, while Hezbollah continues to launch rocket attacks into northern Israel, resulting in civilian and military casualties.

The conflict began with Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel last year, which killed over 1,200 people and led to hostages being taken into Gaza. While some hostages have been released, many remain unaccounted for, with ongoing demands from Israeli citizens for a ceasefire to secure their return.

As international mediators push for a resolution, the prospect of a ceasefire remains uncertain. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has previously linked northern ceasefires to an end to Israel’s Gaza operations, but analysts suggest a separate agreement may now be possible.

With thousands of lives lost and widespread devastation across multiple fronts, the conflict shows no signs of abating.