Israeli airstrikes targeted the Ras al-Nabaa neighborhood in central Beirut on Sunday, resulting in the death of Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah’s prominent media relations head.
Lebanese security sources confirmed that Afif, a longtime adviser to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, was killed while inside a building housing the offices of the Ba’ath Party.
The strike, which also injured three others, marks an unprecedented move, as Israeli airstrikes have typically concentrated on southern Beirut, where Hezbollah maintains its stronghold.
The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed one fatality and multiple injuries in the aftermath of the strike, which has drawn attention for its location and its implications for the escalating conflict.
Hours after the attack, Israel officially claimed responsibility, stating that it had “eliminated” Afif, a key figure in Hezbollah’s communications strategy.
This is the latest chapter in an ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which has intensified over the past year.
Tensions reached a breaking point on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli military positions in response to a devastating Hamas attack on southern Israel. Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon has expanded significantly, with airstrikes targeting southern regions, eastern areas, and now, the capital.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that 3,841 individuals have lost their lives, and nearly 15,000 have been injured since the escalation began. On the Israeli side, Hezbollah rocket fire has killed dozens, affecting both military personnel and civilians.
Afif, a prominent figure in Hezbollah’s operations, is known for his leadership at Al-Manar TV, Hezbollah’s media arm, he became a public face of the organization, delivering press briefings amid the ruins of Israeli bombings in Beirut.
In his final public statement on November 11, Afif declared Israel’s attempts to gain a foothold in Lebanon a failure and affirmed Hezbollah’s readiness for an extended conflict.
