Israel’s airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday (September 27) that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has sparked global attention. Reports on Sunday (September 29) from multiple sources revealed that Nasrallah’s body has been located.
According to medical and security sources on Sunday, Nasrallah’s body was found intact at the site of the Israeli air raid in the southern suburbs of Beirut, confirming his demise.
The day before, in a statement released by Hezbollah, the death of Nasrallah was confirmed, but the circumstances surrounding his death and details about his funeral arrangements were not disclosed. Two sources told Reuters that his body showed no direct wounds and the cause of death appeared to be blunt trauma from explosive force.
CNN also confirmed from Lebanese security sources that Nasrallah’s body has been found intact.
Nasrallah had led Hezbollah for 32 years and was the largest target eliminated in the ongoing intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli forces conducted a precise airstrike during Nasrallah’s meeting at Hezbollah’s headquarters in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh in Beirut.
His death not only dealt a devastating blow to Hezbollah but also represented a significant setback for Iran, losing an influential ally. Nasrallah played a crucial role in Hezbollah’s role as Iran’s proxy in the Arab world.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a speech on Saturday evening that Nasrallah was the “core engine of the evil axis of Iran.”
Hezbollah now faces the challenge of selecting a new leader. Hashem Safieddine is widely seen as Nasrallah’s potential successor, being his cousin. Back in June, following the killing of another Hezbollah commander, Safieddine threatened to escalate actions against Israel, saying at the funeral, “Let them prepare to cry and wail.”
Safieddine’s public statements often reflect Hezbollah’s militant stance and support for Palestinian armed groups. He was designated as a terrorist by the U.S. State Department in 2017.
Despite Nasrallah’s elimination, the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is far from over. On Sunday, Israel carried out more airstrikes in Lebanon, while Hezbollah continued to launch attacks against Israel.