Israel Airstrikes Kill Six in Beirut

Following Israeli airstrikes in Beirut that resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including Hezbollah's media relations chief Mohammed Afif, schools and universities in the region have been closed for two days as a safety measure. The strikes targeted densely populated areas, marking an escalation in Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah as part of the broader conflict that has intensified since late September. Israeli officials characterized the strikes as precise operations aimed at key Hezbollah figures involved in military and propaganda efforts. These developments come amid a wider context of violence in Lebanon and ongoing tensions in Gaza, where additional airstrikes have reportedly led to civilian casualties. The Lebanese health ministry has reported significant fatalities since the conflict escalated, underscoring the dire humanitarian impact on the civilian population. The education minister of Lebanon emphasized the need for safety in light of the ongoing hostilities.