Hamas Mourns Loss of Resistance Leaders in West Bank and Lebanon
The Islamic Resistance Movement, known as Hamas, is in mourning following the assassination of nine of its leaders and fighters from the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades by Israeli forces. The tragic events unfolded in Tulkarm camp, located in the northern West Bank, and in the Beddawi camp in northern Lebanon. Among the deceased is Qassam commander Zahi Yasser Awfi, alongside other prominent fighters including Ayman Khaled Tanji and Basil Mahmoud Nafeh.
In a statement released via Telegram, the Al-Qassam Brigades expressed their commitment to avenging the deaths of their members, stating that future actions will speak louder than words. The Israeli military confirmed the targeted airstrikes, which they claimed were part of a coordinated operation with the General Security Service (Shabak), resulting in the deaths of 18 Palestinians, including children, in Tulkarm.
In Lebanon, the mourning extended to Saeed Atallah Ali, the leader of the Qassam Brigades-Lebanon, who was killed alongside three family members when Israeli forces bombed his home in the Beddawi refugee camp. This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has seen increased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah since October 2023.
Hamas's statement highlighted the grave humanitarian impact of the Israeli military actions, noting that the ongoing war has resulted in over 138,000 Palestinian casualties, with many being women and children. The conflict has also led to widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, raising concerns about the dire living conditions faced by the Palestinian population.
