An Israeli airstrike in central Beirut killed Mohammed Afif, Hezbollah’s chief spokesman, on Sunday, escalating the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, AP reported.
The strike targeted the Arab Socialist Baath Party’s office near a busy intersection, party officials confirmed. The attack occurred unexpectedly, leaving multiple casualties and causing panic among residents.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions and screams, with four bodies and several injured individuals found at the scene.
The attack is part of Israel’s broader campaign against Hezbollah and Hamas, which have escalated their attacks on Israeli targets. The conflict in Lebanon has killed more than 3,400 people and displaced over 1.2 million.
Hezbollah’s missile strikes into Israel have killed at least 76 and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.