Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s long-time deputy leader, has officially been named as the group’s new leader following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month. Qassem’s promotion marks a significant change for the Lebanon-based armed group, which has faced heightened Israeli military actions in recent weeks targeting its leadership.
Nasrallah, a prominent figure within Hezbollah, was killed in Beirut, along with other senior commanders, in an Israeli strike. The attack, which Israel has not officially claimed but has been widely attributed to them, marked a major escalation in Israeli-Hezbollah tensions. Days before the airstrike, explosive devices reportedly targeting Hezbollah members went off across Lebanon, killing nine and injuring over 2,700 people. Israeli forces were largely blamed for these attacks as part of their recent intensified focus on the group.
The choice of Qassem as Nasrallah’s successor was expected due to his longstanding history within the organization. Qassem, a founding figure of Hezbollah and a respected religious scholar, has been involved in Shia political activism since the 1980s. Known within Hezbollah as its “number two,” he has been a significant part of the group’s development over the decades. In a statement, Hezbollah expressed confidence in Qassem’s leadership, describing him as committed to Hezbollah’s “principles and goals” and asking for divine guidance in his new role.
Initially, Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s cousin and another prominent Hezbollah leader, was considered a likely candidate to take over as the group’s leader. However, Safieddine was also killed shortly after Nasrallah in a separate Israeli strike, underscoring Israel’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Hezbollah’s leadership structure.
Reacting to Qassem’s appointment, the Israeli government issued a statement describing Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and hinted at the possibility that Qassem’s tenure could be short-lived if he meets a fate similar to his predecessors. Israel reiterated its stance that the only solution to the ongoing conflict would be the complete dismantling of Hezbollah.
As Hezbollah’s new leader, Qassem inherits the challenge of leading the group amid rising hostilities with Israel and navigating Lebanon’s complex political and security landscape. His leadership will likely define Hezbollah’s next steps in a volatile region marked by deep-seated tensions and power struggles.
Global
Macron Calls for Stronger Morocco-France Ties Amid New Challenges
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of strengthening Morocco-France relations, saying the two nations are “destined to lay the foundations for an exceptional partnership.” Speaking before Morocco’s parliament, Macron said both countries are committed to forging a forward-looking alliance that respects their shared history but is focused on future opportunities and challenges.
Over 51 Dead in Devastating Flash Floods as Torrential Rain Hits Spain
At least 51 people have lost their lives after intense rains triggered flash floods across southeastern Spain, especially hitting the Valencia region.
Biden Faces Backlash After Calling Trump’s Rhetoric “Garbage” in Campaign Call
During a campaign call on Tuesday, President Joe Biden faced criticism for comments that some interpreted as disparaging Donald Trump’s supporters.
Morocco and France Sign 22 Agreements Strengthening Ties in Trade, Energy, and Education
On Monday in Rabat, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron oversaw the signing of 22 significant agreements, furthering cooperation across diverse sectors between the two countries.
International Outcry as Israel Bans UN Aid Agency from Gaza Operations
Israel is facing growing international criticism after its parliament approved a bill that bans the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and annexed east Jerusalem.
Volkswagen's Plan to Close German Plants Sparks Major Workforce Conflict
Volkswagen is planning a significant restructuring that may involve shutting down at least three factories in Germany, laying off tens of thousands of workers, and downsizing operations at remaining sites in the country.
Iraq Files UN Complaint Over Israel's Alleged Airspace Violation
Iraq has officially filed a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, claiming that Israel used Iraqi airspace to conduct an airstrike on Iran on October 26, according to a statement from Iraqi government spokesman Basim Alawadi.
Satellite Images Reveal Israel's Airstrike on Former Iranian Nuclear and Missile Sites, Researchers Say
Satellite images analyzed by an American researcher suggest that an Israeli airstrike targeted a former Iranian nuclear weapons development site and facilities linked to missile production on Saturday.
Michelle Obama Defends Abortion Rights as Trump Courts Key Muslim Vote in Michigan
On October 27, former First Lady Michelle Obama joined Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail, delivering a powerful call to voters to “protect the country” from what she described as the “dangers” of a Donald Trump presidency.
Israel Strikes Iranian Military Sites in Escalating Conflict
Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Iranian military sites on October 26, 2024, claiming the action was a response to recent attacks, including a missile barrage from Iran.
Beyoncé Joins VP Harris in Texas Rally, Advocates for Abortion Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris received a powerful boost in her fight for abortion rights in Texas when Beyoncé made an appearance at a rally supporting reproductive rights.
Report Suggests Elon Musk in Frequent Contact with Vladimir Putin, Raises Security Concerns in the US
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has reportedly been in regular communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the past two years.
North Korean Troops in Russia: Ukraine Claims Presence of 12,000 Soldiers, Including Generals
According to Ukrainian intelligence, around 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including 500 officers and three generals, have reportedly joined Russian forces.
Lebanon Condemns Israeli Airstrike Killing Journalists, Calls It ‘War Crime’
Three media workers lost their lives, and three others were injured following an Israeli airstrike on a residence housing journalists in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Tropical Storm Trami Forces 150,000 to Evacuate, 26 Dead in the Philippines
The Philippines is reeling from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Trami, known locally as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which has claimed the lives of at least 26 people and forced over 150,000 residents to flee their homes.