Senior Hezbollah Commander Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Escalating Fears of Wider Conflict

An Israeli airstrike on Beirut has killed Ibrahim Qubaisi, a senior Hezbollah commander, amid escalating cross-border rocket attacks. Israel conducted extensive strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting weapons storage and launchers. As the conflict intensifies, calls for diplomatic solutions grow to prevent a broader war in the Middle East.

An Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander on Tuesday amid escalating cross-border rocket attacks. The Israeli military named the deceased as Ibrahim Qubaisi, commander of Hezbollah's missile and rocket force. Lebanese sources confirmed his role in the Iran-backed group's rocket division.

Further strikes targeted southern Lebanon, hitting weapons storage facilities and launchers. 'Hezbollah today is not the same Hezbollah we knew a week ago,' said Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing significant blows to Hezbollah's command structure and combat capabilities. Lebanon reported severe casualties and widespread displacement.

As tensions rise, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the UN, advocating for diplomacy to avert full-scale war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Lebanese citizens to reject Hezbollah's leadership. With a high risk of wider regional conflict, calls for diplomatic solutions are intensifying.

(With inputs from agencies.)