BEIRUT — The death toll from Friday’s Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut has risen to 45, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Recovery efforts are ongoing for the third consecutive day, coordinated with relevant security agencies.

Forensic teams have begun collecting samples from the bodies of unidentified victims in hospitals for DNA testing.

The targeted building was reportedly struck by four rockets, causing the collapse of neighboring structures as well.

The Israeli army stated that the strike resulted in the assassination of a prominent Hezbollah military leader, Ibrahim Aqil, along with other senior commanders.

Hezbollah confirmed that at least 16 of its members were killed in the attack, including Aqil and top commander Ahmed Wahbi.

This airstrike marks the third Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs, Hezbollah's stronghold, amid ongoing exchanges of fire over the past year.

Notable previous assassinations include Hamas political bureau deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri in January and Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in July.

The strike occurred amid a "new wave" of Israeli escalation in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the conflict with Hezbollah has entered a "new phase."

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the onset of the Israeli war on Gaza, which has claimed nearly 41,400 lives, primarily women and children, following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7 of last year. — Agencies