Beirut, November 18, 2024 — Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah’s media relations chief and a prominent figure within the militant group, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut's Ras Al-Nabaa neighborhood on Sunday. The strike marks a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah amidst ongoing hostilities.

The Strike and Casualties

According to Lebanese security sources, the airstrike targeted a building in Ras Al-Nabaa, an area housing displaced individuals from southern Beirut suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. Lebanese broadcaster Al-Jadeed confirmed Afif’s death, and the Lebanese Health Ministry reported one fatality and three injuries.

The Israeli military has declined to comment on the incident, while Hezbollah has not officially acknowledged Afif's death. Witnesses reported significant destruction in the area, with people potentially trapped under rubble.

Mohammad Afif’s Role in Hezbollah

Afif, a longtime member of Hezbollah, was closely associated with its late leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in September during another Israeli strike. Afif served as the group’s media chief, managing Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television channel before leading its media relations office. He was instrumental in shaping Hezbollah’s public image, often briefing local and international journalists.

Afif gained prominence during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war and played a key role in the group’s media strategy. Recently, he had conducted press conferences from southern Beirut, including one where he announced a drone strike targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence.

Context of the Escalation

Sunday’s strike occurred amidst intensified Israeli bombardments of Hezbollah strongholds, which began on September 23 following cross-border exchanges linked to the Gaza conflict. Israeli warplanes also struck southern Beirut suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, earlier in the day after issuing evacuation warnings.

The escalation comes as Lebanese officials consider a US-brokered ceasefire proposal. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group with deep roots in Lebanon, has been a focal point in Israel’s military strategy due to its involvement in regional conflicts.

Reactions and Implications

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) confirmed Afif’s death, with Ali Hijazi, secretary-general of the Lebanese branch of the Syrian Baath party, also verifying the news.

This latest strike underscores the rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with significant implications for Lebanon’s fragile stability. The death of high-ranking officials like Afif adds to the challenges of de-escalation, particularly as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

The ongoing hostilities have raised concerns over the broader impact on the region, with calls for international intervention to prevent further loss of life and destruction.