BEIRUT: Hezbollah’s media relations chief, Mohammad Afif, was killed on Sunday by an Israeli airstrike targeting a building in central Beirut.
Such strikes on high-ranking Hezbollah figures without military roles are unusual, as Israel typically focuses on southern Beirut suburbs where the group has a stronger presence.
Later, Israel’s military confirmed the operation, stating it had “eliminated” Afif. The Lebanese health ministry reported one death and three injuries from this strike.
Another airstrike the same day hit Mar Elias Street, a central area rarely targeted, killing two people and wounding 22, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV reported both incidents.
These events are part of a broader escalation between Hezbollah and Israel that began in October 2023, following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel.
Hezbollah has since launched rockets at Israeli targets, prompting Israeli strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon and southern Beirut suburbs.
Over the past year, Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon has killed 3,841 people and injured nearly 15,000, though it is unclear how many were civilians or combatants. Hezbollah rocket fire has resulted in Israeli military and civilian casualties.
In a parallel conflict, Israel’s operations against Hamas in Gaza have killed over 43,000 people, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health officials.
Sunday’s strike in Beirut occurred in the Ras al-Nabaa neighbourhood, where many displaced by earlier Israeli bombardments had sought shelter.
Lebanese sources reported the targeted building housed Ba’ath Party offices. Ali Hijazi, the party’s Lebanese head, confirmed Afif was present at the time.
Video footage revealed significant structural damage, with civil defence teams responding amidst chaotic scenes.
Afif, a long-standing adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah — himself killed in an Israeli airstrike in September — had managed Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television station and hosted press conferences in conflict zones.
In recent statements, Afif emphasised Hezbollah’s preparedness for prolonged conflict, asserting Israeli forces were unable to maintain territorial gains in Lebanon.
