Hamas says member killed by Israeli strike in Lebanon

According to official media, an Israeli strike in south Lebanon on Wednesday claimed the lives of two people, including a Palestinian member of Hamas.

Hezbollah, Hamas’ ally in Lebanon, and Israel have engaged in almost daily gunfire since the conflict in Gaza broke out in October. Palestinian organizations in Lebanon have also claimed cross-border attacks against Israel.

According to Hamas, the strike claimed the life of Hadi Mustafa, a member of its armed branch in Lebanon. Hadi Mustafa was from the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh, which is near the coastal city of Tyre.

According to Lebanon’s official National News Agency, there was also a Syrian bystander who died.

The most well-known Hamas member to die in the conflict was Hamas deputy commander Saleh al-Aruri, who was slain together with six other members in Hezbollah’s stronghold in south Beirut in January, in an attack that a US defense official claimed was carried out by Israel.

In response to cross-border firing, Israel has attacked targets farther and deeper into Lebanese territory. According to security sources, two persons were killed on Tuesday and one on Monday by Israeli attacks against Hezbollah targets in eastern Lebanon.

At least 321 individuals have died in Lebanon since hostilities started, mostly Hezbollah combatants but also 55 civilians.

According to the military, at least ten troops and seven civilians have died in cross-border exchanges in Israel.