Israel conducted a targeted strike in Sidon, Lebanon, killing Hamas commander Hassan Farhat along with his adult children. The operation has drawn criticism from Lebanese officials who perceive it as a violation of sovereignty and a breach of the ceasefire. The incident reinforces ongoing tensions between Israel and militant groups despite an agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.
On Friday, Israel confirmed the killing of Hassan Farhat, a Hamas commander, in a targeted strike in Sidon, Lebanon. The operation also resulted in the deaths of Farhat’s adult son and daughter, a fact which has evoked sharp criticism from Lebanese officials including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who described the attack as a “flagrant attack on Lebanese sovereignty.” This incident is perceived as a violation of the ceasefire established on November 27 between Israel and militant groups.
The Israeli military reported that Farhat was a significant figure responsible for orchestrating multiple attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians during the recent hostilities that escalated after the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023. Notably, he was implicated in a rocket attack on Safed, Israel, which resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier on February 14, 2024.
The strike occurred early in the morning, targeting a residential apartment in Sidon, which was left ablaze and heavily damaged. Reports indicate that emergency services recovered “the bodies of three martyrs” and described the scene as chaotic, with distress evident in the densely populated neighborhood. Lebanese state media confirmed at least three fatalities from this airstrike.
In response to the escalating violence, Prime Minister Salam has called for increased international pressure on Israel to cease its operations targeting residential areas, emphasizing the need for protection of civilian lives.
Prior to this strike, Israel conducted another operation in south Beirut, killing a Hezbollah liaison officer, which marked the second attack since the November ceasefire. Israel cited these actions as retaliatory measures against rocket fire that is attributed to Hezbollah, although the group has denied involvement.
The broader context indicates that conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah worsened into significant hostilities last September. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have continued against Hezbollah targets. The ceasefire requires Hezbollah to reposition its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle military capabilities in southern Lebanon, while Israel is also expected to withdraw from specific strategic positions it currently occupies along the border, which it has yet to complete.
The Israeli airstrike in Sidon has reignited tensions between Israel and Lebanon, drawing condemnation from Lebanese leadership and highlighting ongoing hostilities despite recent ceasefires. The targeted killing of Hassan Farhat illustrates the complex nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to provoke widespread violence and undermine peace efforts in an already volatile region. The prospects for de-escalation remain tenuous as both sides continue to cite mutual grievances and security concerns to justify military operations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
