The UN refugee chief reported on Saturday that over 50,000 individuals had sought refuge in Syria due to the escalating Israeli air strikes on Lebanon. Filippo Grandi stated on X that "more than 50,000 Lebanese and Syrians residing in Lebanon have now crossed into Syria to escape Israeli air strikes," adding that "well over 200,000 people are displaced within Lebanon." Earlier, Hezbollah confirmed the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The group vowed to continue its fight against Israel "in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people." This announcement followed Israel's military claim that it had killed the militant group's leader during ongoing strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Israeli Defence Forces posted on X: "Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world." Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani declared on X that "Hassan Nasrallah is dead." Captain David Avraham, another military spokesman, confirmed that the Hezbollah leader had been "eliminated" following strikes on the Lebanese capital on Friday. In response, Hezbollah launched a fresh rocket attack on Israel after announcing Nasrallah's death. As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, airlines have been advised by the European Union to avoid Lebanese and Israeli airspace for the next month. The European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) warned in a statement of "an overall intensification of air strikes and degradation in the security situation." Similarly, UAE airlines have canceled their flights to Lebanon until October 1 due to the escalation in air strikes and rocket fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Text: Lara Palmer
28.09.2024
Hezbollah confirms death of leader Nasrallah; EU advises airlines to avoid conflict zones.