Hezbollah's New Leadership Amidst Ongoing Conflict in Lebanon

Sheikh Naim Kassem succeeds Hassan Nasrallah as Hezbollah's new leader, following Nasrallah's death in an Israeli airstrike. Hezbollah vows to continue its struggle amidst escalating conflict, with over 2,700 Lebanese casualties reported since October 2023. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has also resulted in significant casualties across the region.

Sheikh Naim Kassem has been appointed the new leader of Hezbollah following the death of Hassan Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli airstrike last month. Kassem, 71, had served as Nasrallah's deputy for over three decades and was elected by Hezbollah's Shura Council to lead the group as newly appointed secretary-general.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported more than 2,700 deaths and nearly 12,600 injuries since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks on Israel, prompting a military response. In early October, Israeli forces invaded southern Lebanon, exacerbating the ongoing tensions.

Meanwhile, the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict has claimed over 43,000 lives in Gaza alone, according to Palestinian officials. The war, which intensified after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 250 others.

(With inputs from agencies.)