Israeli Airstrikes Target Key Figures in Southern Lebanon
In a significant escalation of military action, Israeli warplanes conducted an airstrike early Tuesday morning on the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon. The strike was aimed at the residence of Major General Munir al-Maqdah, the head of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Lebanon, which is the military wing of the Fatah movement. Reports indicate that the airstrike resulted in injuries, although it remains unclear if al-Maqdah was present at the time of the attack.
This latest raid follows a pattern of targeted strikes by Israel against Palestinian militant leaders. Last August, Israel confirmed the assassination of Munir's brother, Khalil al-Maqdah, who was also a prominent figure within the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The ongoing military operations reflect Israel's intensified focus on dismantling the leadership of Palestinian factions operating from Lebanese territory.
In a related incident on Monday, the Islamic Resistance Movement, known as Hamas, announced the death of its leader in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amin, along with several family members, in an airstrike on the al-Bass Palestinian refugee camp. Israel later confirmed the operation, highlighting its commitment to targeting key figures involved in militant activities.
Furthermore, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine reported the deaths of three of its members during a raid in the Cola area, with Israel confirming the elimination of two of its leaders: Nidal Abdel Aal and Imad Awda, both significant figures in the organization.
As tensions escalate, the Israeli army has announced the initiation of a ground operation in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about further violence in the region. This series of airstrikes and ground operations underscores the volatile situation in southern Lebanon and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups.
