An Israeli air strike kills Hezbollah’s media relations official
In an air strike on the Lebanese capital, an Israeli warplane targeted a building in the Ras al Nabaa neighborhood, one of the densely populated neighborhoods in central Beirut, on Sunday afternoon, killing Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah’s media relations official.
Lebanese media reported that the strike targeted a building housing the Baath Party offices, where Afif was present at the time of the attack.
According to sources, the strike resulted in the collapse of part of the building, with the upper floors falling onto the first floor.
A Lebanese civil defense team rushed to the scene to retrieve the victims, while the sounds of ambulances could be heard from a distance.
Several media outlets showed footage from the site showing the massive destruction in the building.
Ali Hijazi, head of the Ba’ath Party in Lebanon, confirmed in statements to the aforementioned channel that Afif was inside the building when the attack took place.
Hijazi added that the bombing resulted in Afif’s death.
Muhammad Afif, known by the nickname “Hajj Muhammad,” is the son of the late scholar Sheikh Afif al Nabulsi and is known by his name.
He is considered one of the most prominent media figures of Hezbollah, as he was responsible for conveying its messages and clarifying its positions to Lebanese, Arab, and international public opinion.
He also served as the head of news and political programs at Hezbollah’s al Manar TV, and participated in covering the July 2006 war.
In addition, Afif was a media advisor to the late Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
He was responsible for responding to criticism directed at Hezbollah, in addition to defending its policies and decisions in press conferences.
He regularly appeared at public events in the southern suburbs of Beirut, where he held several press conferences to convey the Hezbollah’s position on various issues.
In his last appearance a few days ago, Afif confirmed in a press conference that “the Hezbollah’s stockpile of weapons is sufficient for a long war,” indicating that there were political negotiations to stop the war with Israel.
He also defended Hezbollah’s relations with Iran and claimed responsibility for the incident of a Lebanese drone targeting Netanyahu’s home.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to escalate its military operations in Lebanon, including air strikes in the south and east of the country, as well as incursions on the border between Lebanon and Israel.
