An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in southern Lebanon, near the coastal city of Tyre, resulting in the deaths of a member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and a civilian. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating that the strike was aimed at Hadi Mustafa, identified by Hamas as part of its military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Mustafa was reportedly involved in planning attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets globally.
Lebanese state media reported that Mustafa hailed from the Rashidieh refugee camp close to Tyre, an area where Hamas maintains a significant presence. Alongside Mustafa, a Syrian citizen who happened to be near the targeted vehicle on a motorcycle was also killed in the strike. The incident further resulted in two other individuals sustaining injuries.
This drone strike follows closely on the heels of other Israeli military actions in Lebanon, including airstrikes that targeted Hezbollah positions within the country. These earlier strikes were themselves a response to Hezbollah firing over 100 Katyusha rockets at Israeli military sites, escalating the conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant organizations.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have released footage of the drone strike and have issued a statement asserting their commitment to targeting Hamas operatives responsible for orchestrating terror activities. Despite the IDF’s claims regarding Mustafa’s role within Hamas, some sources within the militant group have downplayed his significance within the organization.
🔴ELIMINATED: Hadi Ali Mustafa, a Hamas terrorist in Lebanon responsible for advancing Hamas’ international activity and terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets.
The IDF will continue to operate against Hamas in every area in which it operates. pic.twitter.com/et4dLjlSle
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 13, 2024
Expanded Coverage:
