Israel carried out an airstrike against a car in the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon on Friday evening, killing Hamas leader Samer Mahmoud al-Haj. A bodyguard, who has not been identified, was critically wounded.
Haj worked in a nearby Palestinian refugee camp called Ayn al-Hilweh. The Israeli military and Shin Bet issued a joint statement claiming he was responsible for directing attacks against Israel and was “training terrorists” at the refugee camp.
Sidon is located deep in southern Lebanon, almost 38 miles over the border. Israel has been carrying out strikes against Sidon this year, although most have been against Hezbollah, not Hamas.
Israeli strikes against Hamas targets inside Lebanese territory are relatively rare, but often target high profile Hamas members, as in January when Saleh al-Arouri was killed. Arouri had been in charge of the critical hostage negotiations with Israel throughout the Gaza War. He was struck down in an attack in Beirut, the Lebanese capital city.
Last week, Israel killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an attack in the Iranian capital of Tehran. The Israelis have emphasized they will target Hamas members anywhere in the world they choose.
Israel and Hamas have been hostile toward one another for decades. The current war, which started in October 2023, is centered in the Gaza Strip. It was triggered in part by persistent Israeli security raids on the al-Aqsa Mosque. On October 7, Hamas stormed the Israeli border killing about 1200 and taking 250 as hostages to Gaza. Subsequently, Israel has killed an estimated 40,000 people in the war on the Gaza Strip, and despite international efforts for a ceasefire, there is no end in sight.
Tick tick tick say the Iranians while the airplanes from Israel to Los Angeles are full.
Russia told them not to target civilians.
I don’t see Iran taking orders from the Russians on military tactics. But murdering civilians won’t sting as much as targeting a well guarded military base.
I think it was back when Russians supplied missiles. They don’t want to be associated with it.
Israel must have a spy in Hamas. The IDF is having a "turkey shoot" with the leaders of Hamas. It just have been too easy lately. The IDF must have inside information. As they say in sports betting, what is the over/under for how many days before Sinwar's turn?
The Zionist wishful thinking of affecting the foundation of the organization…!
Another leader would replace him with even more resistance…!