Israel launches strike on Lebanon; 10 dead including senior Hezbollah leader —video shows aftermath
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 21, 2026
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Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley on Friday, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including senior Hezbollah leader Hussein Yaghi. The attack targeted Hezbollah "command centers," according to Israeli officials, and was among the deadliest incidents reported in the region recently. Local TV footage showed significant damage to buildings, with one strike hitting what appeared to be an apartment complex.
The strikes come amid a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which had already been strained by accusations of violations from both sides. Yaghi's death is particularly significant, as he was the son of former Hezbollah lawmaker Mohamed Yaghi, and his funeral is set to take place on Saturday. The attack risks further destabilizing the region, potentially undermining efforts to maintain peace.
Additionally, earlier in the day, Israeli forces struck a Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon, killing two people and targeting what it claimed was a Hamas "command center." Hamas acknowledged the deaths but dismissed the claim as a "flimsy pretext," stating that the building belonged to a joint security force responsible for maintaining order in the camp.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as the broader instability in Lebanon. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, and the U.S. and Israeli officials have called on Lebanese authorities to address Hezbollah's arsenal. Meanwhile, Lebanese leaders warn that further Israeli strikes could exacerbate the country's existing
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026