Israeli forces unleashed a barrage of airstrikes across Lebanon on Thursday, defying a recent ceasefire declaration and plunging the country into deeper crisis. Official figures from Lebanon’s Civil Defense reveal 254 fatalities and over 1,100 injuries from the bombardment, prompting a nationwide day of mourning with shuttered public buildings and lowered flags.
The IDF dropped a bombshell: Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qasim, along with close aide Ali Yusuf Arshi, perished in a targeted operation. Backed by precise intel, the strike zeroed in on Qasim, who played a pivotal role in steering the group’s activities as one of its senior leaders.
Arshi handled critical duties, including Qasim’s personal protection and administrative oversight. This elimination disrupts Hezbollah’s operational core, the IDF asserted.
Bombardments raged in southern hotspots like Kunin and Ali al-Tahir Heights, extending to Al-Sheikh and Meifadoun. Labeling it the heftiest assault since early March, Israel struck more than 100 command posts, arms caches, and rocket launch pads. Strategic border crossings for weapon trafficking were obliterated to sever Hezbollah’s lifelines.
PM Netanyahu aligned with Trump and Vance, excluding Lebanon from U.S.-Iran truce talks, while mediator Pakistan countered that Lebanon is included.
In a somber address, PM Salam verified the casualties, mandating closures and half-mast flags. He detailed frantic diplomacy with regional and global figures to end the violence, highlighting the mounting suffering.
The reported demise of Qasim signals a turning point, potentially weakening Hezbollah amid Israel’s aggressive campaign to neutralize threats from the north.
