Israel eliminates senior Hamas commander in Lebanese airstrike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the targeted elimination of Hamas commander Hassan Farhat in a strike on an apartment building in Sidon, Lebanon.

Farhat, who led the western sector of Hamas in Lebanon, was responsible for orchestrating several significant attacks on Israeli forces and civilians during the ongoing conflict, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

According to the IDF, Farhat played a central role in numerous terrorist activities, including the February 14, 2024, rocket attack on Safed, which resulted in the death of Staff Sergeant Omer Sarah Benjo and injured several other soldiers. The military labeled Farhat’s actions as a significant threat to the State of Israel and its citizens.

The airstrike, which also killed two other individuals, was part of Israel's broader campaign to dismantle Hamas's leadership and infrastructure. Footage from the scene showed one floor of the building engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing from the site. The other floors of the building appeared relatively unscathed. The IDF has since issued evacuation warnings for the area to ensure civilian safety.

This operation comes amid escalating violence and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023 after Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The latest Israeli strikes, which resumed after a temporary ceasefire, have caused extensive casualties in Gaza. According to Hamas-controlled health officials, more than 50,000 people have died in the conflict.

Hamas, which maintains a significant presence in Lebanon, is allied with Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Iran. The IDF has previously targeted senior Hamas figures in Lebanon, accusing them of planning attacks against Israel with Iranian support. The death of Farhat is seen as a blow to Hamas operations, though Israeli officials warn that the group's leadership remains active and its networks continue to pose a threat.

The IDF remains focused on disrupting Hamas’s military capabilities while defending Israel from ongoing attacks.

By Vafa Guliyeva