Israel’s military has confirmed the killing of Nabil Qaouq, a high-ranking member of Hezbollah’s central council, in a precision strike on Saturday.
This came just days after Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of the Iranian-backed group, was killed in a massive strike on Hezbollah’s south Beirut stronghold.
Hezbollah has yet to officially confirm Qaouq’s death, but a source close to the group verified the report.
Israeli warplanes continued to pound Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon, hitting dozens of targets on Sunday.
The Lebanese health ministry reported over 700 fatalities in the past week.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned that up to one million people may have been displaced, saying, “We are at a breaking point.”
Iran, Syria, and allied groups vowed action against Israel, while the US and Israel hailed Nasrallah’s killing as a major blow to terrorism.
Heiko Wimmen of the International Crisis Group noted, “Hezbollah is under pressure to respond. Either we see an unprecedented reaction, or this is total defeat.”
The UN refugee chief, Filippo Grandi, reported over 200,000 displaced inside Lebanon, with more than 50,000 fleeing to Syria. The World Food Programme launched an emergency operation to support affected populations.
Violence continued in Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least three Palestinians.
The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel resulted in 1,205 deaths, while Israel’s retaliatory offensive has claimed at least 41,595 lives.
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