Israel has carried out a deadly air raid in Sidon, South Lebanon, killing a Hamas official, Samer al-Hajj, amid escalating tensions in the region. The attack, which also injured two civilians, was in response to the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut earlier this month. Lebanon saw impromptu protests denouncing the killing of al-Hajj in Sidon, with Israel also targeting border towns and villages.
Hezbollah has vowed retaliation for the killing of Shukr, with Iran expected to launch its own retaliatory attack against Israel for the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Hezbollah has been engaging in near-daily clashes with Israel across the border, including targeting military bases. The recent killing of al-Hajj, far from the border, is expected to further escalate tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah’s leader Hasan Nasallah has warned that retaliation for the killing of Shukr is “inevitable”, emphasizing that the group is ready for war should it break out. The recent Israeli air raid in Sidon, located far from the border, indicates Israel’s willingness to deepen its attacks in Lebanon as tensions escalate. The assassination of al-Hajj is likely to further fuel the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, with both sides prepared for a potential escalation in hostilities.
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