Naim Kassem named new Hezbollah leader as Israeli strikes intensify in Gaza

Hezbollah has appointed Naim Kassem as its new leader following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month.

Kassem, who previously served as Nasrallah’s deputy, had been acting as leader since Nasrallah’s death, with his official appointment confirmed on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, escalating violence continues in northern Gaza, where an Israeli airstrike on a five-story building in Beit Lahiya claimed the lives of at least 34 displaced Palestinians, most of whom were women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Another 20 people were injured, as reported by emergency services.

Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, stated that the facility is overwhelmed with casualties, following raids over the weekend that led to the detention of several medics by Israeli forces. The Israeli military has intensified operations against Hamas militants, often resulting in significant civilian casualties.

The conflict, which erupted on October 7 following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, has led to over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local authorities, and has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population. Israel’s restrictions on aid to northern Gaza have drawn concern from the U.S., which has warned of potential reductions in military support if humanitarian access is not improved.