Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike targeting the group’s underground headquarters near Beirut.
The 64-year-old Nasrallah, rarely seen in public since 2006, was killed in a large-scale Israeli strike on Friday evening that flattened several residential buildings. Hezbollah vowed to continue its “holy war” against Israel.
In a statement, Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death, blaming the “treacherous Zionist strike” and pledging to continue its jihad in support of Palestine and Lebanon. The group described Nasrallah as a “martyr” and vowed to continue his legacy.
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel had “settled the score” with Nasrallah, citing his responsibility for the deaths of numerous Israelis and citizens of other countries.
Hamas condemned the killing as a “cowardly, terrorist act,” accusing Israel of disregarding international norms and threatening global security. They expressed solidarity with Hezbollah.
President Joe Biden called the killing “a measure of justice” for Nasrallah’s victims, while reiterating US support for Israel’s right to self-defense and ordering a bolstering of US military forces in the region.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the “brutal Israeli aggression” and offered condolences, highlighting the historical relationship between the Lebanese resistance and Palestine.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Nasrallah’s killing would strengthen the resistance, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared five days of mourning and called for Muslims to rise against Israel. Iran’s foreign ministry also vowed to continue Nasrallah’s legacy.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned the attack as a “crime” and declared a three-day mourning period, echoing sentiments from influential Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s actions as “genocide” and urged international bodies to intervene, offering condolences to the Lebanese people.
The Houthi rebels pledged to strengthen their fight against Israel following Nasrallah’s death.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalation and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of the extreme danger and potential for further regional violence.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is working with regional partners to prevent further destabilization. Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon warned of the risk of invasion and war.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the killing and called for an end to hostilities, expressing concern over the practice of political assassinations.
