Breaking: Israel Kills Hamas Military Wing Leader in Lebanon Airstrike

An Israeli airstrike near Tripoli, Lebanon’s northernmost city, resulted in the death of a key figure from Hamas’ military faction. The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet intelligence agency confirmed they targeted and killed Saeed Atallah Ali, a high-ranking Hamas operative in Lebanon. They accused him of conducting terrorist activities against Israeli interests and recruiting for Hamas within Lebanon.

This incident marks a rare attack on Tripoli, a city that had not seen such military actions since the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Typically, Israeli strikes have concentrated on southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s bases around southern Beirut.

Hamas acknowledged the loss of Atallah Ali, describing him as a prominent leader in their Al-Qassam Brigades’ Lebanon operations. The attack, which Hamas labeled as a “treacherous Zionist bombing,” also claimed the lives of Ali’s wife and two daughters. It took place at their residence in the Beddawi refugee camp, situated on a hill roughly 5 kilometers northeast of Tripoli. Visuals from the site depicted significant damage to an apartment building, with debris around and sheets draped from a balcony, partially covering the destruction.

This airstrike is part of the broader ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated from exchanges starting October 7, 2023. Additionally, Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in consistent hostilities since the following day. Hezbollah has declared it will continue its operations against Israel until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.