Israel has suffered a heavy blow on the ground. Several Israeli soldiers lost their lives during combat. Meanwhile, Israel is continuing to pound Beirut, southern Lebanon, and even the northern region of the country. Different versions of attaining a ceasefire in this war are emerging from the Israeli cabinet.

Israel's Cabinet Dived Over Lebanon Ceasefire 

An Israeli strike killed 12 people after it hit a civil defence center in Lebanon's city of Baalbek. The attack destroyed the building operated by the civil defence, a politically unaffiliated emergency rescue service, and a neighbouring residence. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah War: 12 Killed in Israeli Strike on Lebanese City of Baalbek

An air strike hit the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Thursday after an Israeli warning to evacuate parts of the Hezbollah bastion, AFPTV images showed.

A plume of grey smoke rose over the area after the latest strike since Israel sharply intensified its campaign against the Iran-backed militant group in September.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-rushing-to-advance-ceasefire-deal-in-lebanon-israel-tells-trump-report-776047">West Asia crisis | 'Rushing to advance ceasefire deal in Lebanon,' Israel tells Trump: Report</a>

Shortly before the strike, Israel had issued a warning to residents to evacuate their homes.

"You are located near Hezbollah facilities and interests against which the (Israeli military) will operate in the near future," army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X that included a map identifying buildings in the Shouaifat al-Omrousiya and Ghobeiry areas.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%84?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#عاجل</a> انذار جديد الى جميع السكان المتواجدين في منطقة الضاحية الجنوبية وتحديدًا في المباني المحددة في الخرائط المرفقة والمباني المجاورة لها في المناطق التالية: 
🔸شويفات العمروسية 
🔸الغبيري 
 
⭕️أنتم تتواجدون بالقرب من منشآت ومصالح تابعة لحزب الله حيث سيعمل ضدها جيش الدفاع على… <a href="https://t.co/OvPSQre8Mf">pic.twitter.com/OvPSQre8Mf</a>
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) <a href="https://twitter.com/AvichayAdraee/status/1856944537840550249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

An air strike hit the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Thursday after an Israeli warning to evacuate parts of the Hezbollah bastion, AFPTV images showed.

An air strike hit the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Thursday after an Israeli warning to evacuate parts of the Hezbollah bastion, AFPTV images showed. A plume of grey smoke rose over the area after the latest strike since Israel sharply intensified its campaign against the Iran-backed militant group in September. Also read | West Asia crisis | 'Rushing to advance ceasefire deal in Lebanon,' Israel tells Trump: Report Shortly before the strike, Israel had issued a warning to residents to evacuate their homes. "You are located near Hezbollah facilities and interests against which the (Israeli military) will operate in the near future," army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X that included a map identifying buildings in the Shouaifat al-Omrousiya and Ghobeiry areas. #عاجل انذار جديد الى جميع السكان المتواجدين في منطقة الضاحية الجنوبية وتحديدًا في المباني المحددة في الخرائط المرفقة والمباني المجاورة لها في المناطق التالية: 🔸شويفات العمروسية 🔸الغبيري ⭕️أنتم تتواجدون بالقرب من منشآت ومصالح تابعة لحزب الله حيث سيعمل ضدها جيش الدفاع على… pic.twitter.com/OvPSQre8Mf — افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) November 14, 2024 × Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

West Asia crisis | Strike hits south Beirut after Israel evacuation warning

Five UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon on Thursday (Nov 7), the United Nations said, in a raid that also killed three civilians.

Israel launched a barrage of strikes after Lebanon's Hezbollah said it carried out a missile attack targeting a military base near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport on Wednesday.

The Wednesday attack came as Lebanon's health ministry said 40 people had been killed in Israeli strikes on the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold in the east.

Hezbollah and Israel have been at war since late September, when Israel broadened its focus from fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip to securing its northern border, even as the Gaza war continues.

The territory's civil defence agency said 12 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced people in north Gaza on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-intensifies-strikes-on-lebanon-at-least-40-killed-774165">Also read:&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon, at least 40 killed</a>

Hezbollah began low-intensity strikes on Israel last year in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which triggered the Gaza war.

The raid in which the UN peacekeepers were wounded struck near an army checkpoint in south Lebanon's main city Sidon.

"The Israeli enemy targeted a car while it was passing through the Awali checkpoint," the army said in a statement.

Three civilians in the car were killed, the military said, and three soldiers at the checkpoint were wounded along with five members of the Malaysian contingent of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL.

"Five peacekeepers were lightly injured and treated by the Lebanese Red Cross on the spot," UNIFIL said in a statement, urging all sides to avoid endangering peacekeepers or civilians.

The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the reports.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Says Indirect Negotiations Possible

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Israel launched raids across the southern suburbs of Beirut overnight, with one hitting an area near the airport.

Taxi driver Abu Elie, who was at the airport when the strikes hit, told AFP "The entire car park shook".&nbsp;

"People were carrying their suitcases on their shoulders and running," he said.

Officials told AFP the raid had caused minor damage but the terminal building was safe and flights were running as normal.

<h2>'Warm and cordial'</h2>

In the lead-up to Tuesday's US presidential election, some in Lebanon had been hopeful that new leadership might bring them a reprieve.

But Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech broadcast on Wednesday that the vote –&nbsp;won by Donald Trump –&nbsp;would have no bearing on the war.

He warned that Hezbollah had tens of thousands of trained militants ready to fight and that nowhere in Israel was "off-limits".

Israel's airports authority said Wednesday that operations at its main airport near commercial hub Tel Aviv were not affected after Hezbollah said it fired missiles at a military base nearby.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to keep fighting Hamas and Hezbollah until victory, spoke to Trump on Wednesday.

Netanyahu's office said the conversation was "warm and cordial" and he had congratulated Trump on his victory.

"The two also discussed the Iranian threat," his office said.

Shortly afterward, Israel's defence ministry said it had signed a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 25 "next generation" F-15 fighter jets, which would be financed by US military aid.

In Lebanon, the strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs were so intense many residents of the city were unable to sleep.

"Death has become a matter of luck. We can either die or survive," said Ramzi Zaiter, a resident of south Beirut.

<h2>'Nothing left'&nbsp;</h2>

Since September 23, more than 2,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad.

Iran, which arms and finances Hezbollah, also dismissed the impact of the US vote.

"It makes no difference to us who won the US election," President Masoud Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.

Iran and the United States have been adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Western-backed shah, but tensions soared during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021.

In Gaza, ravaged by 13 months of war since the deadliest attack in Israeli history, people were desperate for a solution.

"We were displaced, killed... there's nothing left for us, we want peace," said Mamduh al-Jadba.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, on a visit to Jerusalem, said Trump's victory could yet provide a "window" for peace because the US president-elect had a "wish to see the end of the Middle East's endless wars".

<h2>'Very happy'&nbsp;</h2>

Hamas's attack on Israel resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 43,469 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.

In Israel, recent surveys have shown that a majority of people were hoping to see Trump return to the White House.

"Now we just need him to give us weapons," said fruit vendor Yossi Mizrachi, 51, adding he believed Trump would be able to "bring an end to the war".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Five UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon on Thursday (Nov 7), the United Nations said, in a raid that also killed three civilians.

Five UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon on Thursday (Nov 7), the United Nations said, in a raid that also killed three civilians. Israel launched a barrage of strikes after Lebanon's Hezbollah said it carried out a missile attack targeting a military base near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport on Wednesday. The Wednesday attack came as Lebanon's health ministry said 40 people had been killed in Israeli strikes on the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold in the east. Hezbollah and Israel have been at war since late September, when Israel broadened its focus from fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip to securing its northern border, even as the Gaza war continues. The territory's civil defence agency said 12 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced people in north Gaza on Thursday. Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon, at least 40 killed Hezbollah began low-intensity strikes on Israel last year in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which triggered the Gaza war. The raid in which the UN peacekeepers were wounded struck near an army checkpoint in south Lebanon's main city Sidon. "The Israeli enemy targeted a car while it was passing through the Awali checkpoint," the army said in a statement. Three civilians in the car were killed, the military said, and three soldiers at the checkpoint were wounded along with five members of the Malaysian contingent of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL. "Five peacekeepers were lightly injured and treated by the Lebanese Red Cross on the spot," UNIFIL said in a statement, urging all sides to avoid endangering peacekeepers or civilians. The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the reports. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Says Indirect Negotiations Possible × Israel launched raids across the southern suburbs of Beirut overnight, with one hitting an area near the airport. Taxi driver Abu Elie, who was at the airport when the strikes hit, told AFP "The entire car park shook". "People were carrying their suitcases on their shoulders and running," he said. Officials told AFP the raid had caused minor damage but the terminal building was safe and flights were running as normal. 'Warm and cordial' In the lead-up to Tuesday's US presidential election, some in Lebanon had been hopeful that new leadership might bring them a reprieve. But Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech broadcast on Wednesday that the vote – won by Donald Trump – would have no bearing on the war. He warned that Hezbollah had tens of thousands of trained militants ready to fight and that nowhere in Israel was "off-limits". Israel's airports authority said Wednesday that operations at its main airport near commercial hub Tel Aviv were not affected after Hezbollah said it fired missiles at a military base nearby. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to keep fighting Hamas and Hezbollah until victory, spoke to Trump on Wednesday. Netanyahu's office said the conversation was "warm and cordial" and he had congratulated Trump on his victory. "The two also discussed the Iranian threat," his office said. Shortly afterward, Israel's defence ministry said it had signed a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 25 "next generation" F-15 fighter jets, which would be financed by US military aid. In Lebanon, the strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs were so intense many residents of the city were unable to sleep. "Death has become a matter of luck. We can either die or survive," said Ramzi Zaiter, a resident of south Beirut. 'Nothing left' Since September 23, more than 2,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad. Iran, which arms and finances Hezbollah, also dismissed the impact of the US vote. "It makes no difference to us who won the US election," President Masoud Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. Iran and the United States have been adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Western-backed shah, but tensions soared during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021. In Gaza, ravaged by 13 months of war since the deadliest attack in Israeli history, people were desperate for a solution. "We were displaced, killed... there's nothing left for us, we want peace," said Mamduh al-Jadba. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, on a visit to Jerusalem, said Trump's victory could yet provide a "window" for peace because the US president-elect had a "wish to see the end of the Middle East's endless wars". 'Very happy' Hamas's attack on Israel resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 43,469 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. In Israel, recent surveys have shown that a majority of people were hoping to see Trump return to the White House. "Now we just need him to give us weapons," said fruit vendor Yossi Mizrachi, 51, adding he believed Trump would be able to "bring an end to the war". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN Peacekeepers injured in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon

Israeli bombardment has not only left villages and towns of southern Lebanon in ruins but also damaged Lebanon's world-renowned cultural sites. One of these areas also includes Baalbeck's famed ruins, which include one of the world's largest standing Roman temples. Almost 80,000 people in Baalbeck were told to evacuate the area right before Israel pounded the area.

Israel's Largest Evacuation Order in Lebanon 

Lebanon's Prime Minister has expressed hopes for a ceasefire with Israel and it may just happen in the days to come. Watch this report to know more.

US Envoy Hinted At Possibility of Ceasefire, Says Lebanon PM Mikati

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Israel unleashes wave of strikes in south Beirut, Russia claims capture of 2 villages in eastern donetsk.

Israel Unleashes Wave Of Strikes In South Beirut | Liberals Call For Trudeau's Resignation

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday (Oct 23) that he had not seen evidence that there was a Hezbollah bunker filled with cash built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that Washington would continue to work with Israel to get a better insights.

Israel's military said that Hezbollah has stashed hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold in a bunker built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that it would not strike the facility as it keeps up attacks against the group's financial assets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-diplomacy-not-war-pm-modi-tells-world-leaders-at-brics-summit-770025">‘We support diplomacy, not war,’ PM Modi tells world leaders at BRICS Summit</a>

"We have not seen evidence of that at this moment. But, you know, we will continue to collaborate with our Israeli counterparts to gain better fidelity on exactly what they are looking at," Austin told reporters in Rome.

Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker with the Shi'ite Amal Movement party and the director of the hospital in question, Al-Sahel, has told Reuters that Israel was making false and slanderous claims and called on the Lebanese Army to visit and show it had only operating rooms, patients and a morgue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-gets-stranded-in-dubais-desert-books-camel-ride-via-uber-watch-770008">Woman gets stranded in Dubai's desert, books camel ride via Uber: Watch</a>

In a televised statement on Monday, the Israeli military's chief spokesman said Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, killed by Israel last month, had built the bunker which was designed for lengthy stays.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday (Oct 23) that he had not seen evidence that there was a Hezbollah bunker filled with cash built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that Washington would continue to work with Israel to get a better insights.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday (Oct 23) that he had not seen evidence that there was a Hezbollah bunker filled with cash built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that Washington would continue to work with Israel to get a better insights. Israel's military said that Hezbollah has stashed hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold in a bunker built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that it would not strike the facility as it keeps up attacks against the group's financial assets. Also read | ‘We support diplomacy, not war,’ PM Modi tells world leaders at BRICS Summit "We have not seen evidence of that at this moment. But, you know, we will continue to collaborate with our Israeli counterparts to gain better fidelity on exactly what they are looking at," Austin told reporters in Rome. Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker with the Shi'ite Amal Movement party and the director of the hospital in question, Al-Sahel, has told Reuters that Israel was making false and slanderous claims and called on the Lebanese Army to visit and show it had only operating rooms, patients and a morgue. Also read | Woman gets stranded in Dubai's desert, books camel ride via Uber: Watch In a televised statement on Monday, the Israeli military's chief spokesman said Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, killed by Israel last month, had built the bunker which was designed for lengthy stays. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US has not seen evidence of Hezbollah cash bunker under Beirut hospital: Pentagon chief

The United States on Saturday (Oct 19) called for Israel to scale back its strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, citing the rising civilian death toll as "far too high".&nbsp;

Just hours after Israel carried out heavy strikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of the capital, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the city, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: "We'd like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it's taking, especially in and around Beirut".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1972}">'We'd like to see things transition': US</h2>

Speaking at a G7 defence meeting in Naples, Italy, Austin urged a shift towards negotiations to enable civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border to return home safely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:707,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2066}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-forces-directly-involved-pentagon-clarifies-role-in-hamas-leader-yahya-sinwars-death-769092">'No US&nbsp;forces directly involved': Pentagon clarifies role in Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death</a>

"We'd like to see things transition to some sort of negotiation that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes," he said.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:332,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2169}">Attacks on UNIFIL</h2>

On Friday, the UN mission, known as UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), said that in recent days, it had come under several "deliberate" attacks by Israeli forces.

Austin said that he has asked his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant about Israeli attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission's positions in Lebanon.

"He (Gallant) assured me there's no intent of him or his forces to target UNIFIL forces. Again, I continue to emphasise how important it is that those forces don't come under attack," said Austin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:526,&quot;w&quot;:692,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2363}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-meeting-defence-ministers-vows-unwavering-support-for-ukraine-shares-concern-over-lebanon-conflict-769057">G7 meeting: Defence ministers vows 'unwavering support' for Ukraine; share concern over Lebanon conflict</a>

This comes as America, Israel's strongest ally, has been urging Tehran to do more to safeguard civilians in Lebanon and Gaza. Last week, the US in a confidential letter from Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Israeli officials to take concrete measures to address the worsening situation in Gaza within 30 days. The US reportedly warned Tehran that without concrete steps to address the situation, the warring nation could face potential restrictions on American military aid.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Saturday (Oct 19) called for Israel to scale back its strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, citing the rising civilian death toll as "far too high". Just hours after Israel carried out heavy strikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of the capital, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the city, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: "We'd like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it's taking, especially in and around Beirut".

The United States on Saturday (Oct 19) called for Israel to scale back its strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, citing the rising civilian death toll as "far too high". Just hours after Israel carried out heavy strikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of the capital, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the city, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: "We'd like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it's taking, especially in and around Beirut". 'We'd like to see things transition': US Speaking at a G7 defence meeting in Naples, Italy, Austin urged a shift towards negotiations to enable civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border to return home safely. Also read | 'No US forces directly involved': Pentagon clarifies role in Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death "We'd like to see things transition to some sort of negotiation that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes," he said. Attacks on UNIFIL On Friday, the UN mission, known as UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), said that in recent days, it had come under several "deliberate" attacks by Israeli forces. Austin said that he has asked his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant about Israeli attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission's positions in Lebanon. "He (Gallant) assured me there's no intent of him or his forces to target UNIFIL forces. Again, I continue to emphasise how important it is that those forces don't come under attack," said Austin. Also read | G7 meeting: Defence ministers vows 'unwavering support' for Ukraine; share concern over Lebanon conflict This comes as America, Israel's strongest ally, has been urging Tehran to do more to safeguard civilians in Lebanon and Gaza. Last week, the US in a confidential letter from Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Israeli officials to take concrete measures to address the worsening situation in Gaza within 30 days. The US reportedly warned Tehran that without concrete steps to address the situation, the warring nation could face potential restrictions on American military aid. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US pressures Israel to scale back attacks on Beirut, citing 'far too high' civilian toll

Israeli strikes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza killed at least 87 people on Sunday (Oct 20) as per the Hamas-run local authorities. As the 'horrifying scenes' unfolded in northern Gaza, UN special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, in a statement, said that the "nightmare in Gaza is intensifying" and there is an "ever-worsening humanitarian crisis".

Israeli strikes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza killed at least 87 people on Sunday (Oct 20) as per the Hamas-run local authorities. As the 'horrifying scenes' unfolded in northern Gaza, UN special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, in a statement, said that the "nightmare in Gaza is intensifying" and there is an "ever-worsening humanitarian crisis". Also Read: West Asia crisis: Israel says it hit Hezbollah's command centre in Lebanon's Beirut. Watch "In Beit Lahia last night, dozens were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes. Nowhere is safe in Gaza," he said. Israel attacks Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon retaliates with 160 rockets Israel's military on Sunday (October 20) said that it had hit the intelligence headquarters of Hezbollah in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, in which 73 people were killed in a single air strike. Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut came under attack after the Iran-backed group was accused of trying to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by attacking his residence with a drone. Around 160 rockets were launched from Lebanon into the north of Israel and nearly 70 of them were intercepted within minutes on Sunday (October 20). "Following the sirens that sounded between 11:09 and 11:12 am in the Western Galilee and Upper Galilee areas, approximately 70 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon," stated Israel's military on X. In northern Israel, several major roads were also closed as emergency services made an attempt to put out the fire caused by rockets. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Pressure Builds On Netanyahu After Yahya Sinwar's Killing Hezbollah on Sunday said it launched rocket salvos at Israeli "enemy forces" on the outskirts of Markaba villages and on soldiers nearby "west of the village of Adaisseh", stated the group. Hezbollah fighters also fired "a big rocket salvo" at an Israeli army base close to Safed "in defence of Lebanon" and "in response to the Israeli enemy's attacks on villages and homes". Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, in its latest update, said that 87 people have lost their lives and 158 others have suffered injuries in the last 24 hours. As per the ministry, at least 42,603 Palestinians have been killed and 99,795 others have been injured since the Israel-Hamas war started after the October 7 attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 others were taken hostage by the terror group. Out of the 251, nearly 100 hostages have still been kept in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli strikes on northern Gaza kill at least 87 as Beirut attack continues

A central building in downtown Beirut, which is home to offices, including Qatar broadcaster Al Jazeera and the Norwegian embassy, was evacuated after it received threats allegedly from Israel, a Lebanese security source said.&nbsp;

Al Jazeera earlier said that its downtown Beirut office had been evacuated after the building received several warnings, without saying who issued them.

"The building administration received three phone calls claiming to be from Israel, repeating an order to evacuate the building," the source told AFP.&nbsp;

On the request of anonymity, the source added, "As the calls were via an app, it was not possible to determine their source or seriousness" so the building containing dozens of offices and firms "was evacuated".

Norway’s embassy was also evacuated following a “bomb threat,” the Norwegian foreign ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-gangs-targeting-israeli-interests-hiring-teenagers-for-alleged-attacks-768353">Also read:&nbsp;Swedish gangs targeting Israeli interests, hiring teenagers for alleged attacks</a>

"We can confirm that the building where the Norwegian embassy in Beirut is located has received a bomb threat today," Norway's foreign ministry spokeswoman Ragnhild Haland Simenstad told AFP in a written statement. The small number of staff still working there had been evacuated.

"The acts of war in Lebanon make the security situation very unpredictable and tense. This threat is another example of that," Simenstad said.&nbsp;

"The Foreign Ministry is continuously assessing the situation, including the safety of our colleagues who work in Beirut. The embassy has already implemented measures, as we have routines for in situations like this."

Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;Israel-Lebanon War: Israeli Strike On Lebanese Municipal Building Kills 16, Including Mayor

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Meanwhile, Mazen Ibrahim, Al Jazeera's Lebanon bureau chief, said that the building's administration received three calls telling everyone to leave the building, which he said houses the embassies of Norway and Azerbaijan, as well as dozens of offices.&nbsp;

However, the alleged Israeli threats were deemed to be fake, a Lebanese security source and a diplomatic source told Reuters.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

A central building in downtown Beirut, which is home to offices, including Qatar broadcaster Al Jazeera and the Norwegian embassy, was evacuated after it received threats allegedly from Israel, a Lebanese security source said.

A central building in downtown Beirut, which is home to offices, including Qatar broadcaster Al Jazeera and the Norwegian embassy, was evacuated after it received threats allegedly from Israel, a Lebanese security source said. Al Jazeera earlier said that its downtown Beirut office had been evacuated after the building received several warnings, without saying who issued them. "The building administration received three phone calls claiming to be from Israel, repeating an order to evacuate the building," the source told AFP. On the request of anonymity, the source added, "As the calls were via an app, it was not possible to determine their source or seriousness" so the building containing dozens of offices and firms "was evacuated". Norway’s embassy was also evacuated following a “bomb threat,” the Norwegian foreign ministry said. Also read: Swedish gangs targeting Israeli interests, hiring teenagers for alleged attacks "We can confirm that the building where the Norwegian embassy in Beirut is located has received a bomb threat today," Norway's foreign ministry spokeswoman Ragnhild Haland Simenstad told AFP in a written statement. The small number of staff still working there had been evacuated. "The acts of war in Lebanon make the security situation very unpredictable and tense. This threat is another example of that," Simenstad said. "The Foreign Ministry is continuously assessing the situation, including the safety of our colleagues who work in Beirut. The embassy has already implemented measures, as we have routines for in situations like this." Watch | Israel-Lebanon War: Israeli Strike On Lebanese Municipal Building Kills 16, Including Mayor × Meanwhile, Mazen Ibrahim, Al Jazeera's Lebanon bureau chief, said that the building's administration received three calls telling everyone to leave the building, which he said houses the embassies of Norway and Azerbaijan, as well as dozens of offices. However, the alleged Israeli threats were deemed to be fake, a Lebanese security source and a diplomatic source told Reuters. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Beirut building housing Al Jazeera office, Norwegian embassy evacuated after alleged Israeli threats: Report

Israel is intensifying its bombardment of Lebanon, targeting the Southern parts of Beirut, leaving behind nothing but crumbled buildings and desolate streets as casualties continue to rise. Is Israel's actions the beginning of its last desperate push in the region? Or merely another chapter in the ongoing violence?

Israel Destroys As Vengeance Rules

Weeks after Israel allegedly hit Lebanon with pager attacks, Iran on Saturday (Oct 12) banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights, local media reported.&nbsp;

"The entry of any electronic communication device, except mobile phones, in flight cabins or...in non-accompanied cargo, has been banned," ISNA news agency reported, citing the spokesman for Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation Jafar Yazerlo.

This comes three weeks after pagers and walkie-talkies were allegedly used to attack Lebanon, targeting members of the Iran-allied Hezbollah group. The attack claimed&nbsp;the lives of at least 39 people.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, nearly 3,000 people were injured in the attack, which Iran and Hezbollah blamed on Israel, including Tehran's ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani.

<h2>Dubai-based airline banned pagers, walkie-talkies</h2>

Earlier this month, Dubai-based airline Emirates also banned pagers and walkie-talkies on board its planes.

Tensions in West Asia have increased in the past weeks, which started after the Hamas militant&nbsp;group attacked Israel in October last year, which further led to conflict with Iran's proxies including Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-were-the-deadly-hezbollah-pager-explosions-carried-out-in-lebanon-759700">Also read:&nbsp;Explained: How were the deadly Hezbollah pager explosions carried out in Lebanon?</a>

Iran hit Israel with some 200 ballistic missiles to retaliate against the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader. Following this, Israel has vowed to retaliate.&nbsp;

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the response will be &nbsp;"deadly, precise, and surprising".

<h2>IDF tells 22 Lebanon villages to evacuate</h2>

Earlier in the day, the Israel&nbsp;Defense Forces (IDF) ordered the residents of 22 south Lebanon villages to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River.

It further warned the residents “not to return” to their homes as troops continue fighting Hezbollah in the area.

<h2>'Do not return to your homes': IDF warns&nbsp;</h2>

Israeli forces continue to “target Hezbollah posts in or near your villages,” military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X. He added, “For your own protection, do not return to your homes until further notice. Do not go south; anyone who goes south may put his life at risk.”

<h2>UN peacekeepers warn against 'catastrophic' regional conflict</h2>

A spokesperson for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon said that he feared an Israeli escalation against Hezbollah in the country’s south could soon be triggered out of control.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Lebanon's Pager Blast: Pagers detonate across Lebanon, wounding nearly 3,000

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This risks “turning very soon into a regional conflict with catastrophic impact for everyone,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told news agency AFP. He further called for a diplomatic solution.&nbsp;

<h2>No food entered in northern Gaza: UN&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier today, the United Nations food agency said that no food aid had entered northern Gaza since October 1, the Guardian reported citing the Associated Press.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said that the primary border crossing into the war-ravaged area had been closed for about two weeks and warned that Israel’s ongoing ground operation has impacted disastrously on food security for thousands of Palestinian families.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Weeks after Israel allegedly hit Lebanon with pager attacks, Iran on Saturday (Oct 12) banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights, local media reported. "The entry of any electronic communication device, except mobile phones, in flight cabins or.

Weeks after Israel allegedly hit Lebanon with pager attacks, Iran on Saturday (Oct 12) banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights, local media reported. "The entry of any electronic communication device, except mobile phones, in flight cabins or...in non-accompanied cargo, has been banned," ISNA news agency reported, citing the spokesman for Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation Jafar Yazerlo. This comes three weeks after pagers and walkie-talkies were allegedly used to attack Lebanon, targeting members of the Iran-allied Hezbollah group. The attack claimed the lives of at least 39 people. Meanwhile, nearly 3,000 people were injured in the attack, which Iran and Hezbollah blamed on Israel, including Tehran's ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani. Dubai-based airline banned pagers, walkie-talkies Earlier this month, Dubai-based airline Emirates also banned pagers and walkie-talkies on board its planes. Tensions in West Asia have increased in the past weeks, which started after the Hamas militant group attacked Israel in October last year, which further led to conflict with Iran's proxies including Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Also read: Explained: How were the deadly Hezbollah pager explosions carried out in Lebanon? Iran hit Israel with some 200 ballistic missiles to retaliate against the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader. Following this, Israel has vowed to retaliate. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the response will be "deadly, precise, and surprising". IDF tells 22 Lebanon villages to evacuate Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordered the residents of 22 south Lebanon villages to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River. It further warned the residents “not to return” to their homes as troops continue fighting Hezbollah in the area. 'Do not return to your homes': IDF warns Israeli forces continue to “target Hezbollah posts in or near your villages,” military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X. He added, “For your own protection, do not return to your homes until further notice. Do not go south; anyone who goes south may put his life at risk.” UN peacekeepers warn against 'catastrophic' regional conflict A spokesperson for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon said that he feared an Israeli escalation against Hezbollah in the country’s south could soon be triggered out of control. Watch | Lebanon's Pager Blast: Pagers detonate across Lebanon, wounding nearly 3,000 × This risks “turning very soon into a regional conflict with catastrophic impact for everyone,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told news agency AFP. He further called for a diplomatic solution. No food entered in northern Gaza: UN Earlier today, the United Nations food agency said that no food aid had entered northern Gaza since October 1, the Guardian reported citing the Associated Press. The World Food Programme (WFP) said that the primary border crossing into the war-ravaged area had been closed for about two weeks and warned that Israel’s ongoing ground operation has impacted disastrously on food security for thousands of Palestinian families. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran bans pagers, walkie-talkies on flights after attacks in Lebanon

Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said on Saturday (Oct 5) that they had lost contact with their potential next leader&nbsp;Hashem Safieddine, a high-level&nbsp;source from the Lebanon-based group&nbsp;told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"Contact with Sayyed Safieddine has been lost since the violent strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs" early Friday, the source told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.&nbsp;

"We don't know if he was at the targeted site, or who may have been there with him," the source added.&nbsp;

Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in Lebanon have kept rescue workers from searching the site of another attack&nbsp;suspected to have killed Hezbollah's potential next leader&nbsp;Hashem Safieddine, reported Reuters citing three Lebanese security sources, on Saturday.&nbsp;

One of the sources said Safieddine, who was reportedly supposed to take over the Lebanon-based militant group after the death of Hezbollah chief&nbsp;Hassan Nasrallah,&nbsp;has been "unreachable" since the Israeli&nbsp;strike on Friday (Oct 4), which targeted an underground bunker in Beirut.&nbsp;

On Friday morning, the Israeli military said that the airstrike in Beirut targeted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not reveal who was at the underground bunker.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Nasrallah's Presumed Successor Safieddine Said to Be Target of Latest Strikes

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Israel carried out a large strike on Beirut's southern suburbs late&nbsp;Thursday.&nbsp;

On Friday, Israeli Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said that the military is still assessing the Thursday night strikes, which he said targeted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters.&nbsp;

The Israeli strikes on Hezbollah's HQ killed its chief Hassan Nasrallah last week.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-near-beirut-airport-reportedly-targeted-nasrallahs-successor-764339">Also read:&nbsp;Israeli strikes near Beirut airport reportedly targeted presumed Nasrallah successor</a>

<h2>Israeli strike reportedly targeted Safieddine</h2>

Earlier on Friday, Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing an Israeli source, said in a post on social media platform X that Israel reportedly targeted senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine.

He is said to be the heir of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. However, no official statement has been released to confirm Ravid's report.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said on Saturday (Oct 5) that they had lost contact with their potential next leader Hashem Safieddine, a high-level source from the Lebanon-based group told news agency AFP.

Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said on Saturday (Oct 5) that they had lost contact with their potential next leader Hashem Safieddine, a high-level source from the Lebanon-based group told news agency AFP. "Contact with Sayyed Safieddine has been lost since the violent strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs" early Friday, the source told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. "We don't know if he was at the targeted site, or who may have been there with him," the source added. Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in Lebanon have kept rescue workers from searching the site of another attack suspected to have killed Hezbollah's potential next leader Hashem Safieddine, reported Reuters citing three Lebanese security sources, on Saturday. One of the sources said Safieddine, who was reportedly supposed to take over the Lebanon-based militant group after the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, has been "unreachable" since the Israeli strike on Friday (Oct 4), which targeted an underground bunker in Beirut. On Friday morning, the Israeli military said that the airstrike in Beirut targeted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not reveal who was at the underground bunker. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Nasrallah's Presumed Successor Safieddine Said to Be Target of Latest Strikes × Israel carried out a large strike on Beirut's southern suburbs late Thursday. On Friday, Israeli Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said that the military is still assessing the Thursday night strikes, which he said targeted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters. The Israeli strikes on Hezbollah's HQ killed its chief Hassan Nasrallah last week. Also read: Israeli strikes near Beirut airport reportedly targeted presumed Nasrallah successor Israeli strike reportedly targeted Safieddine Earlier on Friday, Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing an Israeli source, said in a post on social media platform X that Israel reportedly targeted senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine. He is said to be the heir of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. However, no official statement has been released to confirm Ravid's report. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Contact 'lost' with Hezbollah chief Nasrallah's presumed successor Hashem Safieddine: Reports

Lebanon's Ambassador to India Dr Rabie Narsh has said that India can play a "very good role" in de-escalating the situation in West Asia. His remarks come at a time when his country is facing strikes from Israel, while tensions escalate across the region.

Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, has also launched a volley of rockets into Israel, pushing the situation closer to a potential wider conflict.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Narsh said, "We call upon our friends in the Indian government to put more pressure on the Israeli government to end this crazy war...we tell them that we want their good offices with Israel, to de-escalate the war and to end the war."

The Ambassador also confirmed that India plans to send a medical humanitarian situation to his country very soon. He termed the situation "very bad" in Lebanon and that his government&nbsp;is ready to implement UNSC resolution 1701.&nbsp;

Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah by calling for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon and the militant group's disarmament south of the Litani River. Ambassador Narsh pointed out, "Every item of 1701 we are ready to implement. And there was agreement, from all parties of Lebanon, including Hezbollah."&nbsp;Full interview:

WION: What is the current situation in Lebanon?

Dr Rabie Narsh: The situation is very bad in Lebanon. Of course, we are at an all-out war, Israel is waging an all-out war on Lebanon. So far we have more than 2000 innocent souls perished, and more than 10,000 injured, 1.2 million displaced, which is a heavy burden on Lebanon, given we gave two&nbsp;million Syrian refugees also. So the situation is bad, and this reflects the aggressive nature of Israel, which has been waging this war for a twisted and sinister agenda.

WION: What do you expect from the international community at a time when your country is facing the situation?

Dr Rabie Narsh: The international community is our only aim, and our only side to talk to and to ask them to stop this madness from (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, the international community has also to be responsible, and play an important role in de-escalating the situation in the region. They have, of course, many good offices and negotiations going on, but they have been faced with the war mindset of Israel.

WION: How do you see India's role? Have you briefed the Indian side about the current situation your country is facing?

Dr Rabie Narsh: I have, of course, I am in constant contact with the Indian side. The friendly government of India has always supported Lebanon and given that they have good relations with Israel and very good relations with Lebanon. So yes, they can play, and they are playing a very good role in de-escalating the situation. We know for sure that they have contacted but then again, like any other international player or good offices, the Peace Peace lover state, India, is also faced with the insistence of Netanyahu to go on this war. So we call upon our friends in the Indian government to put more pressure on the Israeli government to end this crazy war.

WION: So you just said that India is playing a role in de-escalation you can elaborate on that bit. And also have you sent a message to New Delhi that India can send a message to the government in Israel, to Prime Minister Netanyahu, to, of course, de-escalate? Have you sent any messages?

Dr Rabie Narsh: We can't tell the Indians what to do. Of course, we tell them that we want their good offices with Israel, to de-escalate the war and to end the war. But yes, I know for sure that they are doing their best to see peace prevail in the region.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallahs-presumed-successor-safieddine-unreachable-since-fridays-israeli-strike-on-bunker-report-764777">Also read:&nbsp;Hezbollah chief Nasrallah's presumed successor Safieddine 'unreachable' since Friday's Israeli strike: Report</a>

WION: Around 3000 Indians in Lebanon, if you can talk about, is any evacuation plan being readied? Has the Indian government approached you? And also, there are Indian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. What is the current condition for them?

Dr Rabie Narsh: The current situation of the Indians in Lebanon, there are, like you said, about three to 4000 Indians, they are as safe as any other Lebanese in the country. I mean, of course, the homes, the companies they work for, &nbsp;they are trying to protect them in the same way that they protect themselves. So hopefully they will be safe. There's no campaign to evacuate them from Lebanon. The Indian government has not approached us for that specific reason, hopefully will not reach that point, but we want to see the war stop.

WION: And Indians in the UN?

Dr Rabie Narsh: Indians in the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), this is the good part, and the beautiful face of India. India has always been investing in peace. So I think the biggest contingent in &nbsp;UNIFIL, the peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, is Indian. You have about 900 to 1000 peacekeeping personnel, and they are doing a great job. They are very much admired and appreciated in Lebanon. And again, on my behalf, on behalf of my government, I extend my appreciation and thanks to the Government of India.&nbsp;

WION: We know there was a plan for a ceasefire, the French and the American proposal for a ceasefire. What was the status? Is the proposal now dead? And had the Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah agreed to it?

Dr Rabie Narsh: This proposal was botched by Netanyahu himself, and yes, there was a peace almost, I mean, ceasefire agreement. Our government has announced its acceptance of the proposal by the French and the Americans and it was almost about to happen, but it turned out that it was a plot by the Israeli government and by Netanyahu, it was part of the plan to assassinate &nbsp;Nasrallah. Now there's, of course, there's always talk to end this crazy war, but there's no light at the end of the tunnels.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Nasrallah's Presumed Successor Safieddine Said to Be Target of Latest Strikes

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WION: Any direct conversation happening between the Lebanese government and the Israeli government about the current situation, and how to handle it.

Dr Rabie Narsh: There's no direct contact with the Israeli government, but there's indirect, of course, indirect contact through our friends, as you said, the US, the French, the other European, and of course, there are some talks that are always there. It's always there.

WION: Do you think that this current situation, the war that is happening in your country, can become a larger, broader conflict in the region, which can escalate beyond the borders and can involve other countries?

Dr Rabie Narsh: Of course, there is serious concern that the war would escalate, and we almost at an all out war, but the escalation is always there, and yes, there is a big chance, unfortunately, that this war might even escalate further due to the like I said, the war mindset of Netanyahu And the current Israeli government.&nbsp;

WION: What role Hezbollah has in this war...in your country?

Dr Rabie Narsh: Hezbollah is a Lebanese party. They are Lebanese. All the members of Hezbollah are Lebanese. When it comes to domestic politics Hezbollah plays by the rule of the Lebanese political system. So there is no issue with that. And at the same time, Hezbollah is a resistant group, because our land is occupied. And if you remember, Hezbollah was only created in 1982 when Israel invaded Lebanon. So had there not been an invasion of Lebanon, we might not have seen Hezbollah created. So any occupation calls for resistance. Resistance in Lebanon to the Israeli occupation started long before Hezbollah. So Hezbollah was not the only resistance group, but maybe because during the, I mean, the years, and because of the demographic composition of Lebanon and geographical area, that's why maybe Hezbollah has lasted more and now Hezbollah is the main resistance group, but again, not alone. It's not a secret that Hezbollah gets the support, full support, from Iran, but as a resistance group, the Lebanese Resistance group and as a political party within the government and the parliament, they are represented there. They play by the rules, and they are a Lebanese political party.&nbsp;

WION: What's the plan for implementing the UNSC Resolution 1701, one of the key points is that all non-state actors need to shun weapons, and violence. What's your assessment on that? Will it be implemented by Lebanon?

Dr Rabie Narsh: 1701 was issued in 2006, it stopped the war also, again, another war from Israel into Lebanon. So we are ready. Currently, since they established the issuance of this 1701 resolution, we have been called, we have been calling for the full, full implementation of 1701, and we are ready. Currently, we are ready. We announced this many times to the international community that we are ready to apply and to fully implement 1701 with all its items, the issue is that you need the other party to abide by 1701 so Israel is the party who is violating 1701 by violating our airspace, our land, our sea, they are violating 1701 since its issuance.&nbsp;

WION: Does it include defanging the Hezbollah?

Dr Rabie Narsh: Every item of 1701 we are ready to implement. And there was agreement, from all parties of Lebanon, including Hezbollah.

WION: We also saw the pager attack. What are your investigations saying? Who is responsible for the pager attack?

Dr Rabie Narsh: &nbsp;First, this is a massacre. This is a war against humanity. It's a war crime. And it's not, by the way, an advent by the Israelis. It was considered before, and I read reports that even the Americans considered using this same plot in Afghanistan, but they refrained, because they were afraid that many innocent lives would also be affected. And this is what happened in Lebanon actually because pagers are not only with Hezbollah, the doctors use them, nurses, social workers, and many of these categories have either lost their lives or have been infected with major injuries. So the investigation is still going on, and I mean, there's maybe not just a single report about the investigation over the result of the investigation, but it's clear enough that Israel is behind this.

WION: Do you have any proof? And if you have any proof, will you present it to the international community?

Dr Rabie Narsh: Some things are very clear. They're too clear to have to need the proof. But no, I don't have proof. But maybe this is the only war crime that they did not claim, but obviously, and everyone knows that Israel is behind.

WION: Do you have proof? If you have proof, can you put it in front of the international community?

Dr Rabie Narsh: We have enough proof about this or other war crimes. And there have been, of course, put in front of the international community and asked them to take responsibility, to hold Israel responsible for all war crimes. There are lots of complaints from the Lebanon side to the United Nations to the General Assembly. So yeah, there are lots of them, and Israel has lots of war crimes for us to sue and to follow.

WION: What next for Hezbollah?

Dr Rabie Narsh: I am not an expert on Hezbollah, I don't know how their system works, but as a resistance group all over the world, they never die if you eliminate their head, if the head of any group was eliminated, then another one would replace because the process of liberating occupied land will continue, so whether with Hezbollah or any other resistance, will not allow Israel to occupy our land, and we will fight till we liberate our land.

WION: You must need humanitarian support. Are you getting any humanitarian support from the international community? And what kind of humanitarian support would you require? Have you reached out to India? Is India sending any humanitarian support to your country?

Dr Rabie Narsh: We are getting lots of humanitarian support from all our friends. We have lots of friends in the world, and India is one of our best friends. Also, India has always rushed, I remember, during the covid pandemic, India has rushed to help Lebanon and to send humanitarian aid, medicines, and others. Currently, yes, India also has voluntarily proposed to send medicine, that is currently a big consignment of medicine we are arranging for to be sent to Lebanon. So India has already been, like I said, investing in peace and in humanitarian aid, and that's very much appreciated by my government.

WION: Do you see a divided neighbourhood? Do you feel that the Arab world is silent when it comes to the situation in Lebanon?

Dr Rabie Narsh: I believe that they are doing their best, their utmost. They are trying what they can do, but, what happened is that they know that even the US themselves, who are, who have the greatest sway on Israel, they said, many American officials said that we can, we have no control over Netanyahu. So if the Americans themselves cannot control Netanyahu, when, when he goes with this all crazy war, then I believe that the other countries in the region would say, I mean, there's nothing much in their hand to do.

WION: What about the Palestinian cause?&nbsp;

Dr Rabie Narsh: The main cause, if we look at the main cause of all this situation that we are currently facing, is because of occupation. Occupation is the root cause of all evils in our region. And the only solution is to apply the two-state resolution.

WION: Here in India, since the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, we have seen, particularly the Shia community, holding marches, whether it is in Jammu and Kashmir, whether it's in Lucknow, or whether it's here in Delhi, Indian national capital. We in fact saw an event where the Iranian and the lead Palestinian ambassador were also present. So how do you see these marches?

Dr Rabie Narsh: It is not only about Hassan Nasrallah, I've seen even since October 23 when the war on Gaza happened, many Indians from all walks of life in India, from all geographical areas in India, have gone to the street and they have demonstrated. They have shown their support for Palestine.

Lebanon's Ambassador to India Dr Rabie Narsh has said that India can play a "very good role" in de-escalating the situation in West Asia. His remarks come at a time when his country is facing strikes from Israel, while tensions escalate across the region.

Lebanon's Ambassador to India Dr Rabie Narsh has said that India can play a "very good role" in de-escalating the situation in West Asia. His remarks come at a time when his country is facing strikes from Israel, while tensions escalate across the region. Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, has also launched a volley of rockets into Israel, pushing the situation closer to a potential wider conflict. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Narsh said, "We call upon our friends in the Indian government to put more pressure on the Israeli government to end this crazy war...we tell them that we want their good offices with Israel, to de-escalate the war and to end the war." The Ambassador also confirmed that India plans to send a medical humanitarian situation to his country very soon. He termed the situation "very bad" in Lebanon and that his government is ready to implement UNSC resolution 1701. Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah by calling for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon and the militant group's disarmament south of the Litani River. Ambassador Narsh pointed out, "Every item of 1701 we are ready to implement. And there was agreement, from all parties of Lebanon, including Hezbollah." Full interview: WION: What is the current situation in Lebanon? Dr Rabie Narsh: The situation is very bad in Lebanon. Of course, we are at an all-out war, Israel is waging an all-out war on Lebanon. So far we have more than 2000 innocent souls perished, and more than 10,000 injured, 1.2 million displaced, which is a heavy burden on Lebanon, given we gave two million Syrian refugees also. So the situation is bad, and this reflects the aggressive nature of Israel, which has been waging this war for a twisted and sinister agenda. WION: What do you expect from the international community at a time when your country is facing the situation? Dr Rabie Narsh: The international community is our only aim, and our only side to talk to and to ask them to stop this madness from (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, the international community has also to be responsible, and play an important role in de-escalating the situation in the region. They have, of course, many good offices and negotiations going on, but they have been faced with the war mindset of Israel. WION: How do you see India's role? Have you briefed the Indian side about the current situation your country is facing? Dr Rabie Narsh: I have, of course, I am in constant contact with the Indian side. The friendly government of India has always supported Lebanon and given that they have good relations with Israel and very good relations with Lebanon. So yes, they can play, and they are playing a very good role in de-escalating the situation. We know for sure that they have contacted but then again, like any other international player or good offices, the Peace Peace lover state, India, is also faced with the insistence of Netanyahu to go on this war. So we call upon our friends in the Indian government to put more pressure on the Israeli government to end this crazy war. WION: So you just said that India is playing a role in de-escalation you can elaborate on that bit. And also have you sent a message to New Delhi that India can send a message to the government in Israel, to Prime Minister Netanyahu, to, of course, de-escalate? Have you sent any messages? Dr Rabie Narsh: We can't tell the Indians what to do. Of course, we tell them that we want their good offices with Israel, to de-escalate the war and to end the war. But yes, I know for sure that they are doing their best to see peace prevail in the region. Also read: Hezbollah chief Nasrallah's presumed successor Safieddine 'unreachable' since Friday's Israeli strike: Report WION: Around 3000 Indians in Lebanon, if you can talk about, is any evacuation plan being readied? Has the Indian government approached you? And also, there are Indian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. What is the current condition for them? Dr Rabie Narsh: The current situation of the Indians in Lebanon, there are, like you said, about three to 4000 Indians, they are as safe as any other Lebanese in the country. I mean, of course, the homes, the companies they work for, they are trying to protect them in the same way that they protect themselves. So hopefully they will be safe. There's no campaign to evacuate them from Lebanon. The Indian government has not approached us for that specific reason, hopefully will not reach that point, but we want to see the war stop. WION: And Indians in the UN? Dr Rabie Narsh: Indians in the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), this is the good part, and the beautiful face of India. India has always been investing in peace. So I think the biggest contingent in UNIFIL, the peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, is Indian. You have about 900 to 1000 peacekeeping personnel, and they are doing a great job. They are very much admired and appreciated in Lebanon. And again, on my behalf, on behalf of my government, I extend my appreciation and thanks to the Government of India. WION: We know there was a plan for a ceasefire, the French and the American proposal for a ceasefire. What was the status? Is the proposal now dead? And had the Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah agreed to it? Dr Rabie Narsh: This proposal was botched by Netanyahu himself, and yes, there was a peace almost, I mean, ceasefire agreement. Our government has announced its acceptance of the proposal by the French and the Americans and it was almost about to happen, but it turned out that it was a plot by the Israeli government and by Netanyahu, it was part of the plan to assassinate Nasrallah. Now there's, of course, there's always talk to end this crazy war, but there's no light at the end of the tunnels. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Nasrallah's Presumed Successor Safieddine Said to Be Target of Latest Strikes × WION: Any direct conversation happening between the Lebanese government and the Israeli government about the current situation, and how to handle it. Dr Rabie Narsh: There's no direct contact with the Israeli government, but there's indirect, of course, indirect contact through our friends, as you said, the US, the French, the other European, and of course, there are some talks that are always there. It's always there. WION: Do you think that this current situation, the war that is happening in your country, can become a larger, broader conflict in the region, which can escalate beyond the borders and can involve other countries? Dr Rabie Narsh: Of course, there is serious concern that the war would escalate, and we almost at an all out war, but the escalation is always there, and yes, there is a big chance, unfortunately, that this war might even escalate further due to the like I said, the war mindset of Netanyahu And the current Israeli government. WION: What role Hezbollah has in this war...in your country? Dr Rabie Narsh: Hezbollah is a Lebanese party. They are Lebanese. All the members of Hezbollah are Lebanese. When it comes to domestic politics Hezbollah plays by the rule of the Lebanese political system. So there is no issue with that. And at the same time, Hezbollah is a resistant group, because our land is occupied. And if you remember, Hezbollah was only created in 1982 when Israel invaded Lebanon. So had there not been an invasion of Lebanon, we might not have seen Hezbollah created. So any occupation calls for resistance. Resistance in Lebanon to the Israeli occupation started long before Hezbollah. So Hezbollah was not the only resistance group, but maybe because during the, I mean, the years, and because of the demographic composition of Lebanon and geographical area, that's why maybe Hezbollah has lasted more and now Hezbollah is the main resistance group, but again, not alone. It's not a secret that Hezbollah gets the support, full support, from Iran, but as a resistance group, the Lebanese Resistance group and as a political party within the government and the parliament, they are represented there. They play by the rules, and they are a Lebanese political party. WION: What's the plan for implementing the UNSC Resolution 1701, one of the key points is that all non-state actors need to shun weapons, and violence. What's your assessment on that? Will it be implemented by Lebanon? Dr Rabie Narsh: 1701 was issued in 2006, it stopped the war also, again, another war from Israel into Lebanon. So we are ready. Currently, since they established the issuance of this 1701 resolution, we have been called, we have been calling for the full, full implementation of 1701, and we are ready. Currently, we are ready. We announced this many times to the international community that we are ready to apply and to fully implement 1701 with all its items, the issue is that you need the other party to abide by 1701 so Israel is the party who is violating 1701 by violating our airspace, our land, our sea, they are violating 1701 since its issuance. WION: Does it include defanging the Hezbollah? Dr Rabie Narsh: Every item of 1701 we are ready to implement. And there was agreement, from all parties of Lebanon, including Hezbollah. WION: We also saw the pager attack. What are your investigations saying? Who is responsible for the pager attack? Dr Rabie Narsh: First, this is a massacre. This is a war against humanity. It's a war crime. And it's not, by the way, an advent by the Israelis. It was considered before, and I read reports that even the Americans considered using this same plot in Afghanistan, but they refrained, because they were afraid that many innocent lives would also be affected. And this is what happened in Lebanon actually because pagers are not only with Hezbollah, the doctors use them, nurses, social workers, and many of these categories have either lost their lives or have been infected with major injuries. So the investigation is still going on, and I mean, there's maybe not just a single report about the investigation over the result of the investigation, but it's clear enough that Israel is behind this. WION: Do you have any proof? And if you have any proof, will you present it to the international community? Dr Rabie Narsh: Some things are very clear. They're too clear to have to need the proof. But no, I don't have proof. But maybe this is the only war crime that they did not claim, but obviously, and everyone knows that Israel is behind. WION: Do you have proof? If you have proof, can you put it in front of the international community? Dr Rabie Narsh: We have enough proof about this or other war crimes. And there have been, of course, put in front of the international community and asked them to take responsibility, to hold Israel responsible for all war crimes. There are lots of complaints from the Lebanon side to the United Nations to the General Assembly. So yeah, there are lots of them, and Israel has lots of war crimes for us to sue and to follow. WION: What next for Hezbollah? Dr Rabie Narsh: I am not an expert on Hezbollah, I don't know how their system works, but as a resistance group all over the world, they never die if you eliminate their head, if the head of any group was eliminated, then another one would replace because the process of liberating occupied land will continue, so whether with Hezbollah or any other resistance, will not allow Israel to occupy our land, and we will fight till we liberate our land. WION: You must need humanitarian support. Are you getting any humanitarian support from the international community? And what kind of humanitarian support would you require? Have you reached out to India? Is India sending any humanitarian support to your country? Dr Rabie Narsh: We are getting lots of humanitarian support from all our friends. We have lots of friends in the world, and India is one of our best friends. Also, India has always rushed, I remember, during the covid pandemic, India has rushed to help Lebanon and to send humanitarian aid, medicines, and others. Currently, yes, India also has voluntarily proposed to send medicine, that is currently a big consignment of medicine we are arranging for to be sent to Lebanon. So India has already been, like I said, investing in peace and in humanitarian aid, and that's very much appreciated by my government. WION: Do you see a divided neighbourhood? Do you feel that the Arab world is silent when it comes to the situation in Lebanon? Dr Rabie Narsh: I believe that they are doing their best, their utmost. They are trying what they can do, but, what happened is that they know that even the US themselves, who are, who have the greatest sway on Israel, they said, many American officials said that we can, we have no control over Netanyahu. So if the Americans themselves cannot control Netanyahu, when, when he goes with this all crazy war, then I believe that the other countries in the region would say, I mean, there's nothing much in their hand to do. WION: What about the Palestinian cause? Dr Rabie Narsh: The main cause, if we look at the main cause of all this situation that we are currently facing, is because of occupation. Occupation is the root cause of all evils in our region. And the only solution is to apply the two-state resolution. WION: Here in India, since the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, we have seen, particularly the Shia community, holding marches, whether it is in Jammu and Kashmir, whether it's in Lucknow, or whether it's here in Delhi, Indian national capital. We in fact saw an event where the Iranian and the lead Palestinian ambassador were also present. So how do you see these marches? Dr Rabie Narsh: It is not only about Hassan Nasrallah, I've seen even since October 23 when the war on Gaza happened, many Indians from all walks of life in India, from all geographical areas in India, have gone to the street and they have demonstrated. They have shown their support for Palestine.

Lebanon calls on India to help de-escalate West Asia tensions: Ambassador Narsh

Israel's military told residents of more than 20 towns in south Lebanon to evacuate their homes immediately on Thursday as it pressed on with cross-border incursions and struck Hezbollah targets in a suburb of Beirut.

The latest warnings took the number of southern towns subject to evacuation calls to 70 and included the provincial capital Nabatieh, suggesting another Israeli military operation was imminent against the Iran-backed armed group.

Hezbollah also carried out new strikes, targeting what it called Israel's "Sakhnin base" for military industries in Haifa Bay on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel with a salvo of rockets.

Israel, which has been fighting Hamas in the Palestinian territory of Gaza for almost a year, sent troops into southern Lebanon on Tuesday after two weeks of intense airstrikes in a worsening conflict that has drawn in Iran and risks drawing in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-attack-on-israel-is-over-says-iran-warns-against-further-provocation-763759">Also read:&nbsp;Missile attack on Israel is over, says Iran, warns against further provocation</a>

Israel says the aim of its operations in Lebanon is to allow tens of thousands of its citizens displaced from northern Israel by Hezbollah bombardments during the Gaza war to return home safely.

More than 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced by Israeli attacks, and nearly 2,000 people have been killed since the start of the Israeli attacks on Lebanon over the last year, most of them in the past two weeks, Lebanese authorities said.

There are also growing concerns about getting medical supplies for the wounded, and the World Health Organization said 28 healthcare workers had been killed in Lebanon in the previous 24 hours.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said flight restrictions meant the agency would not be able to deliver a large planned shipment of trauma and medical supplies to Lebanon on Friday.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel Strikes Central Beirut As Hezbollah Resists In Southern Lebanon

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The Lebanese army said two soldiers were killed by Israeli strikes in separate incidents in south Lebanon on Thursday, one in an attack on a military post and another in a strike on a rescue mission with the Lebanese Red Cross.

The army said that it returned fire when the military post was struck, a rare development for a force that has historically stayed on the sidelines of major conflict with Israel.

<h2>Beirut under attack&nbsp;</h2>

In Beirut's southern suburb known as Dahiye, a dense neighbourhood where Hezbollah holds sway, several explosions were heard on Thursday and large plumes of smoke were rising after heavy Israeli strikes.

Hezbollah said it detonated a bomb against Israeli forces infiltrating a southern Lebanese village and also attacked Israeli forces near the border.

Overnight, Israel bombed central Beirut in an attack the Lebanese health ministry said killed nine people.

Reuters journalists reported hearing a heavy blast after a building in the district of Bachoura was targeted a few hundred metres from parliament, the closest an Israeli strike has come to the central downtown district.

A Hezbollah-linked civil defence group said seven of its staff, including two medics, were killed in the Beirut attack.

Israel also said it struck a municipality building in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, killing 15 Hezbollah members and destroying many weapons.

Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in ground combat on Wednesday in south Lebanon as its forces thrust into its northern neighbour.

As it pushes into Lebanon, Israel is also weighing its options for retaliation against its arch-foe Iran.

Tehran launched its largest ever assault on Israel on Tuesday in what it said was retaliation for Israel's assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and its operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

Tehran said its attack was over, barring further provocation, but Israel has said it will hit back. The United States has said Iran will face "severe consequences" and that it would work with Israel, while warning Iran not to act against U.S. forces in the region.

A growing number of countries were evacuating citizens from Beirut as governments worldwide urged their citizens to get out.

<h2>Iran's warnings</h2>

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking in Doha, said Tehran would be ready to respond and warned against "silence" in the face of Israel's "warmongering".

"Any type of military attack, terrorist act or crossing our red lines will be met with a decisive response by our armed forces," he said.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani called for serious ceasefire efforts to stop what he called Israel's aggression.

The Lebanese border front opened after Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Oct. 8 in support of Hamas in its war with Israel in Gaza. Iran's other regional allies - Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq - have also launched attacks in the region in support of Hamas.

More than 300 of the more than 1 million Lebanese displaced have taken shelter in a Beirut nightclub, once known for hosting glitzy parties and where staff are now using their guest-list clipboards to register residents.

"We're trying to keep strong," said Gaelle Irani, who was formerly in charge of guest relations.

"It's just overwhelming. So overwhelming and sad. But just as this was a place for people to come enjoy themselves, it's now a place to shelter people and we are doing everything we can to help and be there for them."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Israel's military told residents of more than 20 towns in south Lebanon to evacuate their homes immediately on Thursday as it pressed on with cross-border incursions and struck Hezbollah targets in a suburb of Beirut.

Israel's military told residents of more than 20 towns in south Lebanon to evacuate their homes immediately on Thursday as it pressed on with cross-border incursions and struck Hezbollah targets in a suburb of Beirut. The latest warnings took the number of southern towns subject to evacuation calls to 70 and included the provincial capital Nabatieh, suggesting another Israeli military operation was imminent against the Iran-backed armed group. Hezbollah also carried out new strikes, targeting what it called Israel's "Sakhnin base" for military industries in Haifa Bay on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel with a salvo of rockets. Israel, which has been fighting Hamas in the Palestinian territory of Gaza for almost a year, sent troops into southern Lebanon on Tuesday after two weeks of intense airstrikes in a worsening conflict that has drawn in Iran and risks drawing in the United States. Also read: Missile attack on Israel is over, says Iran, warns against further provocation Israel says the aim of its operations in Lebanon is to allow tens of thousands of its citizens displaced from northern Israel by Hezbollah bombardments during the Gaza war to return home safely. More than 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced by Israeli attacks, and nearly 2,000 people have been killed since the start of the Israeli attacks on Lebanon over the last year, most of them in the past two weeks, Lebanese authorities said. There are also growing concerns about getting medical supplies for the wounded, and the World Health Organization said 28 healthcare workers had been killed in Lebanon in the previous 24 hours. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said flight restrictions meant the agency would not be able to deliver a large planned shipment of trauma and medical supplies to Lebanon on Friday. Watch | Israel Strikes Central Beirut As Hezbollah Resists In Southern Lebanon × The Lebanese army said two soldiers were killed by Israeli strikes in separate incidents in south Lebanon on Thursday, one in an attack on a military post and another in a strike on a rescue mission with the Lebanese Red Cross. The army said that it returned fire when the military post was struck, a rare development for a force that has historically stayed on the sidelines of major conflict with Israel. Beirut under attack In Beirut's southern suburb known as Dahiye, a dense neighbourhood where Hezbollah holds sway, several explosions were heard on Thursday and large plumes of smoke were rising after heavy Israeli strikes. Hezbollah said it detonated a bomb against Israeli forces infiltrating a southern Lebanese village and also attacked Israeli forces near the border. Overnight, Israel bombed central Beirut in an attack the Lebanese health ministry said killed nine people. Reuters journalists reported hearing a heavy blast after a building in the district of Bachoura was targeted a few hundred metres from parliament, the closest an Israeli strike has come to the central downtown district. A Hezbollah-linked civil defence group said seven of its staff, including two medics, were killed in the Beirut attack. Israel also said it struck a municipality building in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, killing 15 Hezbollah members and destroying many weapons. Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in ground combat on Wednesday in south Lebanon as its forces thrust into its northern neighbour. As it pushes into Lebanon, Israel is also weighing its options for retaliation against its arch-foe Iran. Tehran launched its largest ever assault on Israel on Tuesday in what it said was retaliation for Israel's assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and its operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Tehran said its attack was over, barring further provocation, but Israel has said it will hit back. The United States has said Iran will face "severe consequences" and that it would work with Israel, while warning Iran not to act against U.S. forces in the region. A growing number of countries were evacuating citizens from Beirut as governments worldwide urged their citizens to get out. Iran's warnings Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking in Doha, said Tehran would be ready to respond and warned against "silence" in the face of Israel's "warmongering". "Any type of military attack, terrorist act or crossing our red lines will be met with a decisive response by our armed forces," he said. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani called for serious ceasefire efforts to stop what he called Israel's aggression. The Lebanese border front opened after Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Oct. 8 in support of Hamas in its war with Israel in Gaza. Iran's other regional allies - Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq - have also launched attacks in the region in support of Hamas. More than 300 of the more than 1 million Lebanese displaced have taken shelter in a Beirut nightclub, once known for hosting glitzy parties and where staff are now using their guest-list clipboards to register residents. "We're trying to keep strong," said Gaelle Irani, who was formerly in charge of guest relations. "It's just overwhelming. So overwhelming and sad. But just as this was a place for people to come enjoy themselves, it's now a place to shelter people and we are doing everything we can to help and be there for them." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel calls for evacuation in south Lebanon as it hits Hezbollah targets in Beirut suburbs

An American citizen stuck in Lebanon stressed that she does not feel that she matters to the United States government amid Israeli attacks, Al Jazeera reported. &nbsp;

Karam, a US citizen, who chose to be identified by her nickname out of fear of retaliation, said that she feels as if she does not matter to the US.&nbsp;

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have heightened after Israel carried out device attacks targeting Hezbollah, using pagers and walkie-talkies, and following that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted airstrike.&nbsp;

Karam, on Monday, called the US embassy in Beirut for help. However, she said that she was told to find a way out of the country by herself.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-iran-will-pay-for-missile-attack-sends-more-troops-to-lebanon-763883">Also read:&nbsp;Israel vows to make Iran pay for missile attack, sends more troops to Lebanon</a>

She compared it to the Hamas October 7 attack in Israel, and how the US State Department swiftly chartered special flights and a ship to evacuate American citizens in Israel.&nbsp;

“Americans of Lebanese descent have been treated as lesser US citizens than Israeli US citizens. It is as if we don’t exist,” Karam told Al Jazeera.

Karam is from south Lebanon and is currently residing in the mountainous area east of Beirut, which has largely been spared from Israeli attacks. However, she said she is afraid of moving within the country or visiting her son in Beirut in the fear that Israel can bomb anywhere at any moment.&nbsp;

“Israel says they are following Hezbollah, but they are dropping bombs everywhere,” Karam said. “The innocent people of the south and Dahiyeh have paid the price. And we don’t know how long the people will be displaced," she added.&nbsp;

The administration of US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that it contracted its first flight to evacuate US citizens from Beirut to Istanbul, nine days after Israel started its offensive in Lebanon.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran- Israel War: Biden Opposes Israeli Strikes On Iran's Nuclear Sites, Urges Proportional Response

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State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the flight carried 100 US citizens – a fraction of the nearly 6,000 Americans who have contacted the US embassy for information and help.

Miller added that the US administration is hoping to organise more flights, however, saying that he would not announce them because they may not materialise “for whatever reason”.

“We have been working to make seats available or to find seats available on existing commercial flights,” he said.

Since all foreign airlines have cancelled their flights to Lebanon, Middle East Airlines (MEA) is not the only company flying out of the international airport in Beirut.

MEA offers nearly 30 flights daily to destinations in Europe and the Middle East, which is far short of the growing demands of people looking to leave Lebanon. Moreover, prices have also hiked due to the crisis.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An American citizen stuck in Lebanon stressed that she does not feel that she matters to the United States government amid Israeli attacks, Al Jazeera reported. Karam, a US citizen, who chose to be identified by her nickname out of fear of retaliation, said that she feels as if she does not matter to the US.

An American citizen stuck in Lebanon stressed that she does not feel that she matters to the United States government amid Israeli attacks, Al Jazeera reported. Karam, a US citizen, who chose to be identified by her nickname out of fear of retaliation, said that she feels as if she does not matter to the US. Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have heightened after Israel carried out device attacks targeting Hezbollah, using pagers and walkie-talkies, and following that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted airstrike. Karam, on Monday, called the US embassy in Beirut for help. However, she said that she was told to find a way out of the country by herself. Also read: Israel vows to make Iran pay for missile attack, sends more troops to Lebanon She compared it to the Hamas October 7 attack in Israel, and how the US State Department swiftly chartered special flights and a ship to evacuate American citizens in Israel. “Americans of Lebanese descent have been treated as lesser US citizens than Israeli US citizens. It is as if we don’t exist,” Karam told Al Jazeera. Karam is from south Lebanon and is currently residing in the mountainous area east of Beirut, which has largely been spared from Israeli attacks. However, she said she is afraid of moving within the country or visiting her son in Beirut in the fear that Israel can bomb anywhere at any moment. “Israel says they are following Hezbollah, but they are dropping bombs everywhere,” Karam said. “The innocent people of the south and Dahiyeh have paid the price. And we don’t know how long the people will be displaced," she added. The administration of US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that it contracted its first flight to evacuate US citizens from Beirut to Istanbul, nine days after Israel started its offensive in Lebanon. Watch | Iran- Israel War: Biden Opposes Israeli Strikes On Iran's Nuclear Sites, Urges Proportional Response × State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the flight carried 100 US citizens – a fraction of the nearly 6,000 Americans who have contacted the US embassy for information and help. Miller added that the US administration is hoping to organise more flights, however, saying that he would not announce them because they may not materialise “for whatever reason”. “We have been working to make seats available or to find seats available on existing commercial flights,” he said. Since all foreign airlines have cancelled their flights to Lebanon, Middle East Airlines (MEA) is not the only company flying out of the international airport in Beirut. MEA offers nearly 30 flights daily to destinations in Europe and the Middle East, which is far short of the growing demands of people looking to leave Lebanon. Moreover, prices have also hiked due to the crisis. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Americans in Lebanon feel abandoned by US govt amid Israeli attacks, say 'As if we don’t exist’

Israeli airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburb overnight Tuesday destroyed several buildings. Over the past week, Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburb known as Dahiyeh killed at least 18 people, including the leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah group Hassan Nasrallah and several other senior officials

Israel Hezbollah War: IDF strikes in Beirut Hours After Iranian Attack

German airline group Lufthansa said Tuesday it had extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv, citing "the current situation in the Middle East".

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Flights to Beirut will now be suspended up to and including November 30, while those to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31, the group said in a statement. Flights to Tehran remain cancelled until October 14.&nbsp;

"We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," the group added.

The Lufthansa group -- whose carriers also include Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines -- has repeatedly modified its flight schedule in recent months due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as have other airlines.

The Israeli army said its troops were locked in fierce clashes in Lebanon after launching a ground offensive Tuesday, escalating the conflict against Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds.

Following the example of its parent company, Swiss Air said the extension of its flight suspensions was "intended to provide more predictability for both our passengers and our crews".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

German airline group Lufthansa said Tuesday it had extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv, citing "the current situation in the Middle East". Flights to Beirut will now be suspended up to and including November 30, while those to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31, the group said in a statement.

German airline group Lufthansa said Tuesday it had extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv, citing "the current situation in the Middle East". Flights to Beirut will now be suspended up to and including November 30, while those to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31, the group said in a statement. Flights to Tehran remain cancelled until October 14. "We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," the group added. The Lufthansa group -- whose carriers also include Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines -- has repeatedly modified its flight schedule in recent months due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as have other airlines. The Israeli army said its troops were locked in fierce clashes in Lebanon after launching a ground offensive Tuesday, escalating the conflict against Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds. Following the example of its parent company, Swiss Air said the extension of its flight suspensions was "intended to provide more predictability for both our passengers and our crews". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German airline group Lufthansa extends suspension of Beirut and Tel Aviv flights

A day after the Lebanon-based militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah confirmed the death of its chief&nbsp;Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrike, his body was recovered on Sunday (Sep 29) from the site of the air attack on Beirut's southern suburbs and was intact, reported news agency Reuters, citing&nbsp;a medical source and a security source.&nbsp;

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was killed on Friday in a specifically targeted Israeli airstrike&nbsp;on Beirut as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intensified the attacks on Lebanon.&nbsp;

The two sources said that Nasrallah's body had no direct wounds and that it appeared the cause of death was blunt trauma from the force of the blast, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallah-death-netanyahu-reveals-he-gave-the-order-to-kill-hezbollah-chief-he-would-have-quickly-762857">Also read:&nbsp;Nasrallah death: Netanyahu says he personally authorised operation to kill Hezbollah chief; warns Iran, Sinwar</a>

Following Nasrallah's death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer".&nbsp;

"We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said the Israeli PM.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Peak Tensions After Hassan Nasrallah's Death

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This comes after Netanyahu is said to have issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah, as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he had been allowed to live.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah confirmed the death of its chief Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrike, his body was recovered on Sunday (Sep 29) from the site of the air attack on Beirut's southern suburbs and was intact, reported news agency Reuters, citing a medical source and a security source.

A day after the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah confirmed the death of its chief Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrike, his body was recovered on Sunday (Sep 29) from the site of the air attack on Beirut's southern suburbs and was intact, reported news agency Reuters, citing a medical source and a security source. Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was killed on Friday in a specifically targeted Israeli airstrike on Beirut as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intensified the attacks on Lebanon. The two sources said that Nasrallah's body had no direct wounds and that it appeared the cause of death was blunt trauma from the force of the blast, reported Reuters. Also read: Nasrallah death: Netanyahu says he personally authorised operation to kill Hezbollah chief; warns Iran, Sinwar Following Nasrallah's death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer". "We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said the Israeli PM. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Peak Tensions After Hassan Nasrallah's Death × This comes after Netanyahu is said to have issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah, as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he had been allowed to live. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Body of Hezbollah chief Nasrallah recovered from site of Israeli air attack in Lebanon: Report

A Norwegian linked to the detonation of communication devices used by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been reported missing, prompting authorities to issue an international arrest warrant, police said Thursday.

Norway's National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos) confirmed to AFP that it had sent an international notice, without identifying the man.

Oslo Police last week opened an investigation into a Norwegian man's alleged links to the blasts.

"A missing persons case has been opened and we have issued an international search for the person," Mari Elise Bunaes Myhrer of the Oslo Police told broadcaster NRK.

Hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies detonated across Lebanon last week, killing at least 39 people and wounding nearly 3,000 in an attack widely blamed on Israel, which has refused to comment.&nbsp;

Bulgarian authorities opened an investigation after Hungarian website Telex reported that Norta Global -- a company registered in Bulgaria by a Norwegian -- had imported the devices and then delivered them to Hezbollah.&nbsp;

Bulgaria's National Security Agency (SANS) later said the company had nothing to do with the delivery of the exploding devices, but Oslo Police said they had opened a "preliminary investigation into the information that has emerged".

Norta Global, founded in April 2022 by Rinson Jose, last year declared revenue of 650,000 euros ($725,000) for consulting activities outside the European Union.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-mp-alleges-pager-blast-could-be-behind-president-ebrahim-raisis-death-761213">Also read:&nbsp;Iran MP alleges pager blast could be behind president Ebrahim Raisi's death</a>

The company told the Verdens Gang newspaper last week that he has been on an overseas work trip since September 17 and that they had not been able to reach him.

The pagers and walkie-talkies exploded as their users were shopping in supermarkets, walking on streets and attending funerals, plunging the country into panic.

The United Nations said Friday that the detonation of the hand-held communication devices could constitute a war crime.

The war in Gaza began after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-mp-links-pagers-blast-to-ex-iran-president-raisis-death-761335">Iranian MP Links Pagers Blast To Ex-Iran President Raisi's Death</a>

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Of the 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,534 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

A Norwegian linked to the detonation of communication devices used by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been reported missing, prompting authorities to issue an international arrest warrant, police said Thursday.

A Norwegian linked to the detonation of communication devices used by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been reported missing, prompting authorities to issue an international arrest warrant, police said Thursday. Norway's National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos) confirmed to AFP that it had sent an international notice, without identifying the man. Oslo Police last week opened an investigation into a Norwegian man's alleged links to the blasts. "A missing persons case has been opened and we have issued an international search for the person," Mari Elise Bunaes Myhrer of the Oslo Police told broadcaster NRK. Hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies detonated across Lebanon last week, killing at least 39 people and wounding nearly 3,000 in an attack widely blamed on Israel, which has refused to comment. Bulgarian authorities opened an investigation after Hungarian website Telex reported that Norta Global -- a company registered in Bulgaria by a Norwegian -- had imported the devices and then delivered them to Hezbollah. Bulgaria's National Security Agency (SANS) later said the company had nothing to do with the delivery of the exploding devices, but Oslo Police said they had opened a "preliminary investigation into the information that has emerged". Norta Global, founded in April 2022 by Rinson Jose, last year declared revenue of 650,000 euros ($725,000) for consulting activities outside the European Union. Also read: Iran MP alleges pager blast could be behind president Ebrahim Raisi's death The company told the Verdens Gang newspaper last week that he has been on an overseas work trip since September 17 and that they had not been able to reach him. The pagers and walkie-talkies exploded as their users were shopping in supermarkets, walking on streets and attending funerals, plunging the country into panic. The United Nations said Friday that the detonation of the hand-held communication devices could constitute a war crime. The war in Gaza began after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. Watch | Iranian MP Links Pagers Blast To Ex-Iran President Raisi's Death × Of the 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,534 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Norway sends international search notice for man linked to Lebanon device blasts

Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon, killing 492 people, including 21 children, and injuring 1600 others in air raids on towns and villages, according to the Lebanese health ministry.&nbsp;

Israel has bombarded several areas in Lebanon and warned of further significant strikes in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon’s northeast, which are reportedly now underway.

The Israel Defence Forces warned people to immediately leave the homes and other buildings where the Iran-backed Hezbollah has allegedly stored weapons.&nbsp;

Lebanon received more than 80,000 suspected Israeli calls, asking people to evacuate, the Lebanese officials said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-out-immediately-israeli-military-tells-people-in-lebanon-to-move-away-from-hezbollah-targets-761141">Also read:&nbsp;Get out immediately: Israeli military tells people in Lebanon to move away from Hezbollah targets</a>

The head of telecoms company Ogero, Imad Kreidieh, confirmed to Reuters, saying such calls were "psychological warfare to cause havoc and chaos".

This morning the IDF, through its spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Hezbollah had “militarised civilian infrastructure” and “turned southern Lebanon into a battlefield”.

He further advised “civilians from Lebanese villages located in and next to buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes” to immediately move out of harm’s way for their own safety.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel's army chief vows to hit anyone who threatens Israelis

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Earlier, spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said, "Hezbollah intends to launch these weapons toward Israel, and we will not allow it! Stay away for your own protection."

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon, killing 492 people, including 21 children, and injuring 1600 others in air raids on towns and villages, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon, killing 492 people, including 21 children, and injuring 1600 others in air raids on towns and villages, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel has bombarded several areas in Lebanon and warned of further significant strikes in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon’s northeast, which are reportedly now underway. The Israel Defence Forces warned people to immediately leave the homes and other buildings where the Iran-backed Hezbollah has allegedly stored weapons. Lebanon received more than 80,000 suspected Israeli calls, asking people to evacuate, the Lebanese officials said. Also read: Get out immediately: Israeli military tells people in Lebanon to move away from Hezbollah targets The head of telecoms company Ogero, Imad Kreidieh, confirmed to Reuters, saying such calls were "psychological warfare to cause havoc and chaos". This morning the IDF, through its spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Hezbollah had “militarised civilian infrastructure” and “turned southern Lebanon into a battlefield”. He further advised “civilians from Lebanese villages located in and next to buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes” to immediately move out of harm’s way for their own safety. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel's army chief vows to hit anyone who threatens Israelis × Earlier, spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said, "Hezbollah intends to launch these weapons toward Israel, and we will not allow it! Stay away for your own protection." Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel strikes more than 300 Hezbollah targets, 492 killed, over 1600 injured

Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli strike on Friday (Sep 20) after it attacked Beirut's southern suburbs, reported news agency AFP citing&nbsp;a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group.&nbsp;

The group's elite Radwan unit chief was killed in what Israel called a "targeted strike".&nbsp;

The Israeli attack hit near key Hezbollah facilities, the security sources in Lebanon told the news agency.&nbsp;

<h2>Who was Ibrahim Aqil?&nbsp;</h2>

Aqil, also known as Tahsin, "serves on Hezbollah’s highest military body, the Jihad Council," according to the&nbsp;US Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program.&nbsp;

He was the armed forces' second-in-command after Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli strike in July, also in Hezbollah's southern Beirut stronghold.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Israel launches deadly air strikes on Hezbollah stronghold in South Beirut; civilian casualties feared <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IsraelHezbollahConflict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IsraelHezbollahConflict</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lebanon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://t.co/4DlY1lOFHM">pic.twitter.com/4DlY1lOFHM</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1837132497907249361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Aqil has also been wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut, and in directing the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s.&nbsp;

Hezbollah's local media al-Manar TV reported that the southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, had been subjected to an act of aggression, killing one and injuring 14 people.&nbsp;

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they conducted a targeted strike in Beirut.&nbsp;

"The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) conducted a targeted strike in Beirut. At this moment, there are no changes in the Home Front Command defensive guidelines," the Israeli military said without&nbsp;providing any further&nbsp;details.

<h2>How was Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr killed?&nbsp;</h2>

Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut in July this year, where he was killed in an airstrike.&nbsp;

The Israeli strike on July 30 killed Shukr, his wife, two other women and two children. Hezbollah was reportedly working with Iran to investigate the security breach that led to the airstrike, killing one of its important assets.&nbsp;

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Israel launches deadly air strikes on Hezbollah stronghold in South Beirut; Five people, including children, killed and 17 wounded 
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lebanon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjU1xgjvJr">pic.twitter.com/QjU1xgjvJr</a>
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The tensions in West Asia have risen after the pagers and walkie-talkies attack across Lebanon, earlier this week.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli strike on Friday (Sep 20) after it attacked Beirut's southern suburbs, reported news agency AFP citing a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group.

Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli strike on Friday (Sep 20) after it attacked Beirut's southern suburbs, reported news agency AFP citing a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group. The group's elite Radwan unit chief was killed in what Israel called a "targeted strike". The Israeli attack hit near key Hezbollah facilities, the security sources in Lebanon told the news agency. Who was Ibrahim Aqil? Aqil, also known as Tahsin, "serves on Hezbollah’s highest military body, the Jihad Council," according to the US Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program. He was the armed forces' second-in-command after Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli strike in July, also in Hezbollah's southern Beirut stronghold. #BREAKING | Israel launches deadly air strikes on Hezbollah stronghold in South Beirut; civilian casualties feared #IsraelHezbollahConflict #Lebanon #Beirut pic.twitter.com/4DlY1lOFHM — WION (@WIONews) September 20, 2024 × Aqil has also been wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut, and in directing the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s. Hezbollah's local media al-Manar TV reported that the southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, had been subjected to an act of aggression, killing one and injuring 14 people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they conducted a targeted strike in Beirut. "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) conducted a targeted strike in Beirut. At this moment, there are no changes in the Home Front Command defensive guidelines," the Israeli military said without providing any further details. How was Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr killed? Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut in July this year, where he was killed in an airstrike. The Israeli strike on July 30 killed Shukr, his wife, two other women and two children. Hezbollah was reportedly working with Iran to investigate the security breach that led to the airstrike, killing one of its important assets. Israel launches deadly air strikes on Hezbollah stronghold in South Beirut; Five people, including children, killed and 17 wounded . . .#Lebanon #Beirut pic.twitter.com/QjU1xgjvJr — WION (@WIONews) September 20, 2024 × The tensions in West Asia have risen after the pagers and walkie-talkies attack across Lebanon, earlier this week. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israeli strike in Beirut

Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, according to a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group. The attack hit near key Hezbollah facilities, the security sources in Lebanon told the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in India, amid the Tirupati Prasadam row, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy called the lab report which claimed that animal fat, including beef tallow, was used to make Tirupati laddoos - given to devotees as an offering, during his tenure, false.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-hezbollah-commander-ibrahim-aqil-killed-in-israeli-strike-in-beirut-760479">Senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israeli strike in Beirut</a>

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Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli strike on Friday (Sep 20) after it attacked Beirut's southern suburbs, reported news agency AFP citing&nbsp;a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-prasadam-row-ex-andhra-cm-jagan-reddy-says-lab-report-false-blames-naidu-of-playing-faith-politics-760443">Tirupati Prasadam row: Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy says lab report false, blames Naidu for playing faith politics</a>

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Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has responded to the allegations that during&nbsp;his tenure, animal fat, including beef tallow was used to make&nbsp;Tirupati laddoos - given to devotees as an offering.&nbsp;Reddy called the lab report false and accused Telugu Desam Party&nbsp;(TDP) leader and incumbent CM Chandrababu Naidu of using "faith for politics".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-jews-would-be-to-blame-if-he-lost-election-reiterates-israel-would-cease-to-exist-if-enemy-wins-760415">&nbsp;Trump says Jews would be to blame if he lost election, reiterates Israel may cease to exist if 'enemy' wins</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/19/455637-trump-10.png?imwidth=400" />

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-bought-iranian-jammers-to-block-news-channels-critical-of-regimes-terrible-ways-760396">Taliban bought Iranian jammers to block news channels critical of regime's terrible ways</a>

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Further culling&nbsp;the freedom and choices of its citizens, the Taliban have allegedly purchased jammers from Iran to shut down independent television channels reporting on the regime's terrible ways, from reaching the masses.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-envoy-warns-israeli-ground-incursion-will-lead-to-doomsday-regional-war-760406">Lebanese envoy warns Israeli ground incursion will lead to 'doomsday' regional war</a>

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Lebanon's Ambassador to the United Kingdom warned that an Israeli ground incursion would lead to a "doomsday" regional war.&nbsp;Lebanese envoy Rami Mortada told The Times of Israel that Lebanon's armed forces will not stand by, like they have been so far, if Israel launches a major assault on the ground or from the air.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-what-we-know-about-budapest-based-company-linked-to-hezbollah-pagers-760436">Here's what we know about Budapest-based company linked to Hezbollah pagers</a>

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After Taiwanese firm&nbsp;Gold Apollo claimed it had not manufactured the pagers that exploded and killed 12 people, including two children, the focus has now shifted towards a Hungary-based company called&nbsp;BAC Consulting which allegedly had the license to develop the devices.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-embark-on-3-day-us-trip-from-quad-to-un-summit-heres-what-the-schedule-looks-like-760476">PM Modi to embark on 3-day US trip: From Quad to UN Summit, here's what the schedule looks like</a>

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on a three-day trip to the US from Saturday (Sep 21)&nbsp;to Monday (Sep 23)&nbsp;where he will attend the fourth annual Quad Leaders' Summit, hosted by United States President Joe Biden in his home residence of Wilmington, Delaware.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-delay-departure-for-us-amid-security-situation-in-north-760491">Israeli PM Netanyahu to delay departure for US amid security situation in north</a>

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will delay his departure to New York by a day due to the security situation in the country's north, an official in his office told AFP on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-ricky-ponting-reveals-why-he-chose-punjab-kings-over-other-teams-details-on-essentials-760482">IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting reveals why he chose Punjab Kings over other teams; details on essentials</a>

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Newly-appointed Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting revealed what attracted him to accept their offer despite interests from several teams ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting, who previously coached Delhi Capitals for seven seasons, detailed what he told his new team owners and shared his thoughts on retention plans as the mega auction date nears.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-transformers-one-director-josh-cooley-on-why-he-cast-keegan-michael-key-as-bumblebee-760428">Transformers One director Josh Cooley on why he cast Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee</a>

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Transformers One,&nbsp;the untold story of Optimus Prime and Megatron is finally in India. The film was released today&nbsp;(September 20) in theatres in India and we talked&nbsp;to the director of the film, Josh Cooley who spoke about Keegan-Michael Key who voiced the character of Bumblebee and gave him an interesting new twist in the origins film.&nbsp;

Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, according to a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group.

Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, according to a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group. The attack hit near key Hezbollah facilities, the security sources in Lebanon told the news agency AFP. Meanwhile, in India, amid the Tirupati Prasadam row, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy called the lab report which claimed that animal fat, including beef tallow, was used to make Tirupati laddoos - given to devotees as an offering, during his tenure, false. Click on the headlines to read more: Senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israeli strike in Beirut Hezbollah's Operations Division head Ibrahim Aqil has been killed in an Israeli strike on Friday (Sep 20) after it attacked Beirut's southern suburbs, reported news agency AFP citing a source close to the Lebanon-based militant group. Tirupati Prasadam row: Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy says lab report false, blames Naidu for playing faith politics Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has responded to the allegations that during his tenure, animal fat, including beef tallow was used to make Tirupati laddoos - given to devotees as an offering. Reddy called the lab report false and accused Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and incumbent CM Chandrababu Naidu of using "faith for politics". Trump says Jews would be to blame if he lost election, reiterates Israel may cease to exist if 'enemy' wins Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that if he were to lose the presidential election in November, it would be due to Jewish Americans not voting for him en masse. Taliban bought Iranian jammers to block news channels critical of regime's terrible ways Further culling the freedom and choices of its citizens, the Taliban have allegedly purchased jammers from Iran to shut down independent television channels reporting on the regime's terrible ways, from reaching the masses. Lebanese envoy warns Israeli ground incursion will lead to 'doomsday' regional war Lebanon's Ambassador to the United Kingdom warned that an Israeli ground incursion would lead to a "doomsday" regional war. Lebanese envoy Rami Mortada told The Times of Israel that Lebanon's armed forces will not stand by, like they have been so far, if Israel launches a major assault on the ground or from the air. Here's what we know about Budapest-based company linked to Hezbollah pagers After Taiwanese firm Gold Apollo claimed it had not manufactured the pagers that exploded and killed 12 people, including two children, the focus has now shifted towards a Hungary-based company called BAC Consulting which allegedly had the license to develop the devices. PM Modi to embark on 3-day US trip: From Quad to UN Summit, here's what the schedule looks like Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on a three-day trip to the US from Saturday (Sep 21) to Monday (Sep 23) where he will attend the fourth annual Quad Leaders' Summit, hosted by United States President Joe Biden in his home residence of Wilmington, Delaware. Israeli PM Netanyahu to delay departure for US amid security situation in north Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will delay his departure to New York by a day due to the security situation in the country's north, an official in his office told AFP on Friday. IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting reveals why he chose Punjab Kings over other teams; details on essentials Newly-appointed Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting revealed what attracted him to accept their offer despite interests from several teams ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting, who previously coached Delhi Capitals for seven seasons, detailed what he told his new team owners and shared his thoughts on retention plans as the mega auction date nears. Transformers One director Josh Cooley on why he cast Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee Transformers One, the untold story of Optimus Prime and Megatron is finally in India. The film was released today (September 20) in theatres in India and we talked to the director of the film, Josh Cooley who spoke about Keegan-Michael Key who voiced the character of Bumblebee and gave him an interesting new twist in the origins film.

Top 10 world news: Senior Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike; Tirupati 'laddoo' row; and more

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