Fateh Sherif, the head of Hamas in Lebanon, was killed in an airstrike, sparking protests and a response from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which confirmed he was an employee. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) accused Sherif of coordinating Hamas activities with Hezbollah and recruiting operatives in the region.
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Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hamas Figure in Lebanon, Drawing UNRWA Response
### Israeli Strike Kills Hamas Leader in Lebanon
A senior Hamas leader in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, according to Lebanese security and medical sources. The strike, which occurred in the al-Bass refugee camp in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, also killed Sherif's wife and children.
Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hamas Figure in Lebanon, Drawing UNRWA Response
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees, confirmed that Sherif was an employee of the organization. However, UNRWA emphasized that Sherif had been suspended without pay since March due to allegations of political activities.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) issued a joint statement accusing Sherif of coordinating Hamas' terror activities in Lebanon with Hezbollah operatives. They also alleged that Sherif was responsible for Hamas' efforts to recruit operatives and acquire weapons.
Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hamas Figure in Lebanon, Drawing UNRWA Response
### UNRWA Links to Hamas Raise Concerns
The killing of Sherif has raised concerns about possible links between UNRWA and Hamas. Israel has long accused UNRWA of being overrun with terrorist sympathizers, a claim the agency denies. Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, has criticized UNRWA for failing to take action against Sherif despite evidence of his involvement with Hamas.
Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hamas Figure in Lebanon, Drawing UNRWA Response
### Iran Condemns Israeli Strikes, Threatens Revenge
Iran has condemned the Israeli airstrike that killed Sherif, vowing that Israel's "criminal acts" would not go unanswered. Following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a separate airstrike over the weekend, Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered extra security measures amidst fears of retaliation.
### Lebanon's Response and Regional Tensions
The Israeli strikes have sparked protests and condemnation in Lebanon. The Lebanese government has called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the escalation of violence. The conflict has also raised tensions between Israel and other regional actors, including Syria and Iran.
### International Community Calls for Calm
The international community has urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. President Biden has stated that all-out war in the Middle East "must be avoided." The United Nations has also called for a ceasefire and an end to the violence.
### Special Forces Operations and Ground Offensive
Amidst the ongoing airstrikes, the IDF has also been conducting small special forces operations in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military is reportedly considering expanding its operations into a full-on ground offensive.
### Beirut Targeted in Airstrikes
An Israeli airstrike has hit central Beirut, marking the first strike at the heart of the Lebanese capital since 2006. The bombing has caused widespread damage and has raised concerns about a possible ground invasion.
### Lebanon Death Toll Rises
Lebanese officials estimate that over 1,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with many civilians among the victims. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
