Israel has claimed responsibility for a targeted airstrike in Beirut, which it says eliminated Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander. Shukr, also known as al-Hajj Mohsin, was described by the Israeli military as "the most senior military commander in Hezbollah" and a close advisor to the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This strike is part of Israel's retaliation for a deadly rocket attack on the occupied Golan Heights last Saturday, which killed a dozen children and young people. Hezbollah initially denied Shukr's death but later acknowledged he was present at the site of the strike.

Lebanon's public health ministry reported that the airstrike killed one woman and two children, and injured more than 70 people, who were taken to nearby hospitals. The attack, carried out by a drone, hit the crowded southern suburb of Haret Hreik, causing significant destruction. Footage from the scene showed destroyed vehicles and high-rise buildings damaged by the blast.

The Israeli airstrike on Beirut came shortly after another significant event: the killing of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Hamas blamed Israel for the strike, which also killed one of Haniyeh's bodyguards. The assassination of Haniyeh, a key figure in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, has heightened tensions in the region, with Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowing revenge against Israel.

"This criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has martyred our dear guest in our home and prepared a harsh punishment for itself," Khamenei stated. He emphasized that avenging Haniyeh's death is now a duty for Iran.

The strikes have significantly escalated the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed a harsh response to the Golan Heights attack, which both Israel and the U.S. attributed to Hezbollah, despite the group's denial of involvement. During a visit to Majdal Shams, the site of the attack, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to retaliate against Hezbollah.

The U.S. has expressed concern over the escalating situation. Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself but stressed the need for a diplomatic solution. "Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorist organizations like Hezbollah," she said, adding that diplomatic efforts must continue to prevent further escalation.

The Israeli airstrike on Beirut is the first significant operation against a Hezbollah target in the Lebanese capital since the war in Gaza began on October 7. This follows a history of hostilities, including the assassination of Hezbollah's top military commander Imad Mughniyeh by Israeli Mossad in 2008 and the recent assassination of Saleh al-Arouri, a top Hamas official, in Beirut.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strike, calling it an act of "blatant Israeli aggression" and a "criminal act" that violated international law. He emphasized Lebanon's right to take measures to deter further Israeli aggression.

The strikes have alarmed international diplomats, who fear that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war. Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed hope for a diplomatic solution, stating, "I don't think that war is inevitable."

Hezbollah, however, has indicated that it will respond to the Israeli attack. The group's official stance, communicated through mediators, rejected calls to refrain from retaliation. "We will respond to any Israeli attack," a Hezbollah official stated, underscoring the group's preparedness for conflict.