Israel Expands Strikes in Lebanon, Killing Hamas and PFLP Leaders
An Israeli airstrike on Monday killed Hamas leader Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin and several members of his family in southern Lebanon, the group confirmed. The strike targeted a Palestinian refugee camp in the city of Tyre. In a separate attack, Israel hit an apartment building in Beirut’s Kola district, killing three leaders of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), according to the group. These actions mark an escalation in Israel’s broader offensive against Iranian-backed militias in the region, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.
While Israel has not commented on these specific strikes, tensions have surged across Lebanon, with Israeli forces conducting frequent air raids targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs. Authorities in Lebanon reported that over 1,000 people have been killed in the past two weeks due to Israeli airstrikes, with more than 6,000 injured. Israel has also launched strikes against Houthi fighters in Yemen, following Houthi-launched missile and drone attacks on Israel.
The United States has urged diplomacy to resolve the conflict, though it has authorized increased military support in the region. US President Joe Biden, when asked if a larger Middle East war could be averted, responded, “It has to be,” and indicated he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
