Hamas reported that one of its senior leaders, Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon on Monday. The strike hit Amin’s house in a Palestinian refugee camp in Tyre, killing him along with his wife, son, and daughter. According to reports, three additional militants also died in the attack.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group allied with Hamas in its fight against Israel, confirmed that three of its members were killed in a separate Israeli strike on the upper floor of an apartment building in Beirut’s Kola district. This marks the first time Israeli forces have carried out an airstrike within the capital’s city limits.
Israel Remains Silent but Vows to Continue Operations
While Israeli authorities have not officially commented on these attacks, the government has reiterated its commitment to ongoing military operations. Israel has expressed its intent to ensure the security of northern Israel, stating that the goal is to make the region “safe” for its citizens to return to their homes.
Israeli Airstrikes Escalate After Hezbollah Leader’s Death
Following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Israel ramped up its military campaign in Lebanon, targeting key Hezbollah strongholds. Along with Nasrallah, senior Hezbollah commanders Nabil Kaouk, deputy head of the group’s Central Council, and Ali Karaki were also killed. Kaouk was the seventh high-ranking Hezbollah official to be killed within a week, underscoring the intensity of the strikes.
Growing Casualties and Displacement in Lebanon
The death toll from the recent Israeli airstrikes has climbed significantly. Nearly 1,000 people have been killed, and over 6,000 others wounded across Lebanon. Environment Minister Nasser Yassin described the humanitarian crisis, revealing that around 250,000 people have taken shelter, while thousands more have sought refuge with family or are camping in open areas. Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the situation the “largest disaster” in Lebanon’s history. Laila Al Amine, director of Mercy Corps Lebanon, noted that one of the biggest challenges is the lack of government resources to properly equip shelters for the displaced population.
Israel Expands Strikes to Yemen in Response to Houthi Attacks
In addition to Lebanon, Israel extended its military action to Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah on Sunday, targeting Houthi rebels after a missile attack by the group. Four people were killed, and 29 were injured in the Israeli strike.
The escalating conflict continues to cause widespread devastation and poses significant challenges for humanitarian relief efforts across the region.