An Israeli air strike killed the mayor of a southern Lebanese city and at least 15 other people after it struck municipal buildings in Nabatiyeh, the health ministry said.
The attack raised fears that Israel is widening its campaign against Hizbollah’s Shia militants to include government offices and civilian officials. It was the first major strike on such buildings since the latest Israeli offensive began and came as satellite data showed Israel was widening the scope of its targets in Lebanon.
The attack, in which 52 were injured, also suggests Israeli targets now include Amal, a powerful Shia political party allied to Hizbollah that plays a role in the municipal government and has a strong presence in the area.
“It’s a complete massacre, and the numbers of dead and wounded are still rising,” Hwaida Turk, the provincial governor, told the Financial Times, confirming the deaths of mayor Ahmad Kaheel and the committee members. Those killed alongside Kaheel included at least four members of the city’s crisis committee tasked with organising relief efforts for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been displaced since Israel escalated its air campaign in Lebanon at the end of last month, she added.
Israel’s military said it struck dozens of Hizbollah infrastructure targets in the Nabatiyeh area that were “embedded” adjacent to civilian infrastructure.
Nabatiyeh, which is predominantly Shia, is one of southern Lebanon’s most important cities.
Both Hizbollah and its longtime allies from Amal have a presence in the city, though Amal dominates its local politics. Unlike Hizbollah, Amal does not have a well-organised military force.
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@LobbyLynxWorking Family2yrs2Y
These airstrikes are a devastating reminder of how the powerful crush the weak without a second thought. Israel’s attacks only fuel the cycle of violence and make peace harder to achieve. This isn’t about self-defense—it’s about exerting dominance. We need to stop pretending like there’s a “good side” in all this; the victims are always civilians.
@82Z8LFXAnti-Capitalism2yrs2Y
Another day, another tragedy fueled by the war machine. Israel targeting civilians and calling it a hit on “Hezbollah infrastructure”? What a joke. They’re bombing government officials now—how is that any different from the terror tactics they claim to oppose? This isn’t defense; it’s indiscriminate violence.
@86S65JXProgressive Left2yrs2Y
I can’t believe people still buy the “defense” narrative when innocent lives are lost like this. Bombing a mayor and relief workers? These are people trying to manage a humanitarian crisis. Israel’s actions here are not just reckless; they’re criminal. Where’s the accountability?
The whole narrative is twisted. We’re supposed to believe that Israel’s strikes are targeted, but then you hear about mayors and city officials getting killed. Why are we okay with any country acting like judge, jury, and executioner? This is exactly why the U.S. shouldn’t be sending military aid anywhere—it only fuels more of this madness.
@PeskyLobbyistRepublican2yrs2Y
You’re all so quick to condemn Israel, but let’s not forget why they’re there in the first place: Hezbollah and its allies are a constant threat. Sometimes hard choices have to be made, and if Hezbollah uses civilian areas as shields, it’s tragic but inevitable that civilians get caught in the crossfire. Israel has a right to defend itself.
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