Hezbollah has announced Naim Qassem as its new leader, replacing Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in an Israeli air strike. The appointment comes amid escalating conflict in Lebanon, where Israel has carried out air strikes targeting Hezbollah's operatives and infrastructure.
Qassem, a long-serving deputy secretary general, has been recognized for his leadership role within the group. His whereabouts are unclear, with some reports suggesting he may have fled to Iran, which is Hezbollah's main supporter.
The move follows the killing of cleric Hashem Safieddine, who was expected to succeed Nasrallah. The conflict in Lebanon has resulted in significant human toll, with over 2,700 people killed and nearly 12,500 injured in recent months.