The Israeli military eliminated Hamas’ operations department head in Lebanon in a “precise” strike on a car in the coastal Lebanese city of Sidon on Monday- on eve of ceasefire agreement.
The military operation targeted Mohammed Shaheen, who was eliminated after recently planning terror attacks, directed and funded by Iran, according to the Israel Defence Forces.
“Shaheen was a significant source of knowledge within the organisation and was involved throughout the war with advancing various terror attacks, including rocket fire on the Israeli home front,” the IDF stated.
Hamas subsequently acknowledged Shaheen’s death in the strike, identifying him as a commander.
The Palestinian organisation Hamas, which controls Gaza, maintains substantial operations in Lebanon and collaborates with Lebanese Hezbollah. Iran supports both organisations.
The attack occurred one day before Israel’s planned withdrawal from most Lebanese territories under the November 27 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, though it will maintain five strategic positions.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed concern on Monday about Israel’s complete withdrawal by Tuesday, stating that “the sponsors of the deal should bear their responsibility to assist us.”
Both sides have claimed breaches of the agreement. The terms allow Israel to respond to immediate threats from the Iran-supported group.
Israel conducted strikes on Hezbollah military installations in Lebanon on Sunday, with Lebanese media reporting three operations in the eastern region.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli gunfire killed a woman in Hula border town on Sunday as residents attempted to return to villages under IDF presence.
On Saturday, Israel targeted a senior Hezbollah aerial unit member, with Lebanese media confirming two casualties from an Israeli strike in the south.
Israel’s September invasion of Lebanon aimed to counter the group’s continuous rocket attacks, which had displaced 60,000 Israeli northern residents. Hezbollah’s daily attacks began unprovoked on October 8, 2023, following Hamas’s assault on southern Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages, initiating the Gaza conflict.
