Escalation in Beirut: Israeli Airstrike Targets Hezbollah Commanders

An Israeli airstrike targeted Hezbollah commanders in a Beirut suburb, killing 37, including prominent leaders Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmed Wahbi. The strike escalated the conflict, with heavy bombardment continuing. Prime Minister Najib Mikati canceled his U.N. General Assembly trip. U.N. officials warn of a dangerous cycle of violence.

An Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah commanders in a Beirut suburb killed 37 people, including senior leaders Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmed Wahbi. Lebanese health officials confirmed that the death toll included three children and seven women, while rescuers continued searching for the missing.

The Israeli army disclosed on social media that their strike aimed at an underground meeting involving Aqil and other senior Hezbollah commanders. The attack has significantly disrupted Hezbollah's military hierarchy, said the army.

Heavy cross-border fire ensued as Israeli warplanes executed some of the most intense bombardments of the 11-month-long conflict across Lebanon's south, with Hezbollah retaliating by targeting military sites in northern Israel. The situation remains volatile, with international calls for cessation growing louder.

(With inputs from agencies.)