Hezbollah media chief killed in Israeli strike in Beirut

An Israeli airstrike in central Beirut on Nov 17 killed Hezbollah’s media relations chief, Mohammed Afif, the Lebanese militant group has confirmed.

According to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency, the strike on Nov 17 hit the headquarters of the Baath political party in the densely populated Ras al-Naba neighborhood.

In a post on X on Nov 17, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wrote, "ELIMINATED: Chief Propagandist and Spokesperson of Hezbollah, Mohammed Afif. Afif was a senior Hezbollah military operative, in contact with senior officials and directly involved in advancing and executing Hezbollah’s terrorist activities against Israel.”

“Messages broadcasted by Afif to the Lebanese media glorified and incited terrorist activities against Israel, and he was responsible for numerous psychological terror operations against the Israeli public." It added.

It further said, "Afif's impact on the terrorist organization proves that he was directly involved in Hezbollah's terrorist activity against the State of Israel."

The country's health ministry said four people were killed, but did not name the victims.

Afif, one of the few remaining public faces of the group, was last seen on Nov 11, when he gave a press conference in Beirut’s southern suburbs, where the group is based.

Earlier on Nov 17, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement said it had conducted strikes on six Hezbollah military targets in the southern suburbs.

In the past week, the Israeli military has intensified its attacks on Beirut, amid renewed efforts led by the US for a ceasefire in the war.

A viral video captured the moment the Israeli strike hit, causing the building to collapse amid a massive explosion. Footage shared by Iranian news agency IRNA later showed the collapsed structure reduced to rubble, with debris scattered across the area. Civil defense workers were seen sifting through the ruins.

Afif, a major figure within Hezbollah, had served as the group’s media advisor and was known for hosting press conferences amidst the aftermath of Israeli bombardments.

His recent statements included claims that Hezbollah was well-prepared for a prolonged conflict with Israel. His death comes weeks after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The building targeted was also known to shelter displaced individuals from southern Lebanon, highlighting the war’s extensive civilian toll.

The attack on Ras al-Nabaa was one of two Israeli strikes in Beirut on Nov 17. According to Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV, a separate assault in Mar Elias, another rarely targeted central area, hit a vehicle and claimed at least two lives on Nov 17.

The densely packed neighborhood, home to many displaced residents, was left engulfed in flames following the strike.

Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon since September, targeting Hezbollah strongholds in the south and eastern regions, as well as the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Lebanese health ministry estimates that over 3,800 people have died, and nearly 15,000 have been injured since the escalation began.