Israeli drone strike targets Hamas commander in Sidon

An airstrike carried out by Israel on Monday hit a vehicle in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, resulting in the death of one individual. The attack came just one day before the deadline for an Israeli troop withdrawal under a fragile ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

According to a Lebanese security source, the person killed was a military unit commander affiliated with Hamas. Israeli forces later claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that Mohammad Shahine, identified as a Hamas commander, had been involved in orchestrating attacks against Israel, including launching rockets.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly interrupted his ongoing trial to approve the operation, according to Israeli media reports. The strike in Sidon marks the deepest Israeli attack inside Lebanon since the ceasefire was established in late November.

Video footage circulating online captured the aftermath, showing a vehicle engulfed in flames. The attack took place near a Lebanese army checkpoint and Sidon’s municipal sports stadium.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli troops were originally set to pull out from southern Lebanon by the end of January. However, at Israel’s request, Lebanon agreed to extend the deadline to February 18. Whether the withdrawal will be completed by Tuesday remains uncertain.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, stating that its targets are military sites containing weaponry and operational facilities.