Israel Strikes Beirut, Kills Top Hezbollah Commander Fuad Shukr
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that they killed Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in a strike on southern Lebanon. This action was in retaliation for a rocket attack on Golan Heights that killed 12 children.
Fuad Shukr, described as the ‘most senior Hezbollah military commander,’ was a key figure in Hezbollah’s military operations. He was responsible for many of Hezbollah’s advanced weapons, including precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets, and UAVs. Shukr also managed Hezbollah’s attacks against Israel since October 7, including the deadly strike in Majdal Shams.
US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself but emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to end the attacks. She stated, ‘Israel has a right to defend itself against a terrorist organization, which is exactly what Hezbollah is. But all of that being said, we still must work on a diplomatic solution to end these attacks and we will continue to do that work.’
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthis and Hamas condemned the Israeli strike. The Houthis expressed solidarity with Lebanon and Hezbollah, appreciating Hezbollah’s role in supporting the Palestinian people. Hamas declared full solidarity with Lebanon and Hezbollah, calling the Israeli strike a ‘dangerous escalation.’
The IDF confirmed the strike in Beirut, targeting the commander responsible for the Majdal Shams attack. Lebanese media reported that at least one woman was killed and several others were injured in the strike, with casualties transferred to nearby hospitals. This development marks the most significant Israeli escalation since tensions with Hezbollah flared after October 7.
Doubts Revealed
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) -: The Israel Defence Forces, or IDF, are the military forces of Israel. They protect the country and its people.
Hezbollah -: Hezbollah is a group in Lebanon that has its own army and is involved in politics. They often have conflicts with Israel.
Fuad Shukr -: Fuad Shukr was a leader in Hezbollah. He was in charge of many of their weapons and attacks.
Lebanon -: Lebanon is a country in the Middle East, next to Israel. Beirut is its capital city.
Golan Heights -: The Golan Heights is a hilly area between Israel and Syria. It is often a place of conflict.
US Vice President Kamala Harris -: Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States. She helps the President and supports the country’s decisions.
Iran-backed Houthis -: The Houthis are a group in Yemen, a country in the Middle East. They get support from Iran, another country in the region.
Hamas -: Hamas is a group in Palestine that often fights with Israel. They control the Gaza Strip, a small area next to Israel.
diplomatic solution -: A diplomatic solution means solving problems by talking and making agreements, instead of fighting.
retaliation -: Retaliation means doing something bad to someone because they did something bad to you first.
escalation -: Escalation means making a conflict or problem bigger and more serious.
