In the city of Beirut, Lebanon, the Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had successfully targeted and eliminated Nabil Kaouk, a high-ranking commander of the Iran-backed Hezbollah organisation, according to a report by Reuters. Although Hezbollah has not officially confirmed Kaouk’s death, his supporters have been expressing grief and condolences on various social media platforms since Saturday. Get the latest updates on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, including airstrikes, displacement, and international response.
Kaouk’s Significance in Hezbollah
Kaouk, a significant figure in Hezbollah, served as the deputy head of the organisation’s Central Council and was a key leader in its military operations. From 1995 to 2010, he led the organisation’s military efforts in south Lebanon. In 2020, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Kaouk and another Hezbollah council member, Hassan al-Baghdadi, for their involvement in terrorist activities.
Escalating Conflict
The death of Kaouk was reportedly a result of an Israeli military airstrike on Friday, which also resulted in the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. This event marked the second instance of Israel targeting a top Hezbollah leader, the first being the killing of Abbas Mousawi in an Israeli helicopter attack in 1992.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing conflict has led to widespread displacement, with hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee their homes. Lebanon’s Environment Minister Nasser Yassin estimated that approximately 250,000 individuals have sought refuge in government-run shelters and informal facilities. However, the actual number is believed to be significantly higher, with up to four times as many people directly affected or displaced outside these shelters.
UN Reports
As of Friday, the United Nations reported that 211,319 people had been forced to relocate due to the conflict, and this number is expected to rise following recent intensive Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Government Response
In response to the crisis, the Lebanese government has converted schools and other facilities into temporary shelters to accommodate displaced individuals. However, many still need adequate housing, forcing them to sleep on the streets or in public squares. Government and non-governmental organisations are working to assist.
Context
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict began in October 2023, with Hezbollah launching guided rockets and artillery shells at Israeli positions in solidarity with Palestinians. The situation has escalated, with both sides exchanging strikes, resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
Key Developments:
- Israeli airstrike kills Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
- Reported death of Nabil Kaouk.
- Ongoing targeted attacks by Israel on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- The humanitarian crisis deepens, with hundreds of thousands displaced.
- International diplomatic efforts were unsuccessful in resolving the conflict.
