Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Israel continues its relentless military campaign against Hezbollah, raising fears of a wider conflict beyond the ongoing war in Gaza.

On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, leaving 33 people dead and 195 injured, according to Lebanese authorities.

The strike on Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, resulted in massive explosions that destroyed numerous buildings, leaving thick plumes of black smoke hanging over the city.

Read Also: Cole Palmer Shatters EPL Record With Four-Goal First Half Blitz

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health confirmed the casualties, while Israeli media suggested that the attack aimed to eliminate senior Hezbollah leaders.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), however, declined to comment on the specifics of the operation.

On Friday night, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was reportedly killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike, marking a critical escalation in the conflict.

Nasrallah, a key figure in Hezbollah’s operations and political activities, was struck during an attack on Hezbollah’s headquarters in southern Beirut.

The Israeli military used an 80-ton bomb in the assault, according to Hezbollah’s statement. It was confirmed that Nasrallah was in the building at the time, along with his daughter, both of whom were killed.

Shortly after the attack, the Israeli military posted on social media, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world,” signaling the IDF’s satisfaction with the operation.

The death of Nasrallah has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with fears mounting that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could spiral into a full-scale war.

The assassination of Nasrallah prompted an immediate response from Hezbollah, vowing retaliation and escalating already high tensions in Lebanon.

Iranian authorities, key backers of Hezbollah, reacted swiftly, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling an emergency meeting.

Reports from Iranian officials indicated that Khamenei had been moved to a secure location following the Israeli strikes.

The death of Nasrallah marks a turning point in the volatile dynamics of the Middle East, with many regional actors bracing for the potential consequences of his assassination.

With Israeli airstrikes continuing and Hezbollah forces on high alert, the prospect of a new warfront opening in Lebanon looms large, raising fears of even greater instability across the region.

As both sides prepare for potential further conflict, the international community watches closely, concerned that the violence could spread beyond Lebanon and Gaza, igniting a broader regional war.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described the late Owa Obòkun of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran as a legendary king who fulfilled all his developmental wishes for Ijeshaland during his lifetime.

Gov Adeleke made the statement on Saturday when he paid a condolence visit to the members of Ijesha traditional council and elders at the Oba Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre, Ilesa.

ALSO READ: Adeleke Accounts For Stewardship To Osun Indigenes In Abuja

Accompanied by all political office holders in Ijeshaland led by the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Hon. Sunday Bisi, Gov Adeleke recalled how Baba (Late Owa) emphasized the importance of making University of Ilesa (UNILESA) a reality rather than an audio institution that the past administration wanted to make it to be.

The Governor also recollected how Baba expressed frustration over inability of successive administrations to dualise Palace/Brewery junction road, tasking Governor Adeleke to dualise the road during his lifetime.

“I promised Baba that those two wishes will be realized. It’s on the strength of my agreement with Baba that I moved Unilesa from mere paper approval to a functioning University with over 90 accredited courses”, Governor Adeleke told the Ijesa elders.

“Our Government not only provided the take-off grant for the new university, we equally commenced Infrastructural development of the university while I appointed a top-class Ijesha academic to lead the university.

“On the road dualisation, we again awarded the project to an Ijesha-owned company and on the day of the flag off, our late Baba, despite of old age told me he must witness the flagg off.

“At the flag off event, Baba expressed satisfaction that his lifetime ambition of getting the road dualised and actualisation of University of Ilesa happened during his lifetime.”

“So, we’re here to commiserate with Ijesha people. This is a celebration of the life of a legendary king who was actually my dance partner during the governorship of my late brother, Sen Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

The Governor assured Ijesha people that the State Government will be fully involved in the burial programme of the late Owa even as he charged them to ensure the emergence of a credible, learned and committed new king who will build on the legacies of the late Monarch.

Speaking earlier, PDP State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi recalled the love of the monarch for the progress and development of Ijeshaland, stressing that anytime late Owa talked to the Governor, it was always about the development of Ijeshaland

“I was there when Baba told Governor Adeleke that making UNILESA a reality and dualising Palace / Brewery junction road were his remaining life ambitions.

“On behalf of Ijesa people, we thank Mr. Governor for fulfilling the wishes of the late Owa by actualising the UNILESA and by launching the dualisation of Palace Brewery junction road.”

He pleaded with the Governor to continue to remember his fatherly partnership with the late Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland by further expanding his support and love for the Ijesha people which he has always demonstrated even before assuming governorship.

Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, warning that Lebanon risks suffering the same humanitarian catastrophe as Gaza if violence continues to escalate.

Speaking at the United Nations, Wong condemned the ongoing airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and urged global leaders to take urgent action.

“This attack cannot and should not be justified,” Wong said, emphasizing the toll the conflict has taken on civilians.

Read Also: Hezbollah Commanders Killed In Beirut Airstrike – Israeli Military

She highlighted Australia’s firm stance against Hamas, with sanctions already in place on the group’s leaders and financial backers.

However, Wong expressed deep concern over the heavy civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s response to Hamas.

Wong stated, “More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 11,000 children. Nearly two million Gazans have been displaced, many multiple times, and over two million are facing severe food insecurity. This must end. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price for defeating Hamas. All lives have equal value.”

Wong also pointed out that nearly 300 days have passed since Australia and 152 other countries voted for a ceasefire, yet the violence continues.

“Today, I repeat that call,” she said, urging both sides to halt hostilities.

The foreign minister also stressed the importance of averting further conflict in Lebanon, where tensions are rising amid ongoing air raids.

She called for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for peace between Lebanon and Israel.

“Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza,” Wong warned, calling for immediate international efforts to prevent further bloodshed.