Hamas Mourns Assassination of Hezbollah Leader Ibrahim Aqil
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has expressed its deep sorrow over the assassination of Ibrahim Aqil, a prominent military commander of Hezbollah, who was killed in an Israeli air strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday evening. In a statement released following the attack, Hamas emphasized the significance of Aqil's martyrdom, describing it as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and regional resistance against Israeli aggression.
Hamas articulated that Aqil's death symbolizes the unity and shared destiny of those fighting for justice in the region. The organization extended heartfelt condolences to Aqil's family, Hezbollah leadership, and the Lebanese people, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the fighters of the Islamic Resistance in their unwavering support for Palestinians facing violence in Gaza.
The statement condemned the Israeli military action as an act of 'foolishness' that would ultimately lead to consequences for Israel. Hamas vowed that the blood of Aqil and other martyrs would ignite a fierce resistance against what they termed the 'artificial entity' of Israel, reinforcing their commitment to the liberation of Jerusalem and the Palestinian people.
In a separate announcement, Hezbollah confirmed the assassination of Ibrahim Aqil, stating that he had dedicated his life to jihad and the cause of resistance. The group lauded his contributions and sacrifices, asserting that he would be remembered among the great martyr leaders of their movement. Hezbollah's statement underscored the ongoing struggle against Israeli forces and the importance of continued resistance in the face of aggression.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, stating that the air strike was aimed at a Hezbollah military meeting, resulting in the death of Aqil and several other leaders within the Radwan unit, which is known for its specialized operations. Israeli spokesman Daniel Hagari described the attack as a 'precise raid' that targeted key figures in Hezbollah's military structure.