On November 17, 2024, Muhammad Afif, a prominent media official for Hezbollah, was assassinated in an Israeli raid in Beirut's Ras al-Nabaa area. Afif, who had been with Hezbollah since its inception in 1983, played a crucial role in managing the party's media relations and was instrumental in shaping its political narratives. His assassination marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following the recent tensions in the region.
Afif was closely associated with key figures in Hezbollah's history, including the late Secretary-General Abbas al-Musawi and current leader Hassan Nasrallah. His work included overseeing media coverage during critical events, such as the 2006 war with Israel, and he was known for his strategic management of media messages aimed at countering Israeli narratives.
Following the attack, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that one person was killed and three others injured. While Hezbollah has not officially commented on the assassination, the incident has raised concerns about further retaliatory actions and the potential for increased violence in Lebanon.
