Jerusalem: In a continued display of military precision, Israel has successfully targeted and killed a top commander of Hezbollah, Lebanon’s extremist militant organization, amidst ongoing hostilities. The commander, identified as Hussain Ibrahim Kasab of the elite Al-Haj Radwan Force, was struck down by an Israeli drone while traveling through the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has confirmed Kasab’s death, although the group has refrained from disclosing his rank or position within the organization.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released footage of the drone strike, showcasing the operation that led to Kasab’s death. According to reports from The Times of Israel, Kasab was riding a motorcycle at the time of the attack, marking yet another successful operation by Israel in its relentless campaign against Hezbollah. Since the escalation of hostilities on October 7, Israel claims to have neutralized 412 Hezbollah militants, with Kasab being one of the latest casualties.
Hezbollah’s Retaliation: Rocket Barrage on Northern Israel
In retaliation for the Israeli airstrike, Hezbollah launched 55 rockets into northern Israel on Saturday, further intensifying the conflict. The rockets targeted several areas, although many landed in open fields, causing fires but minimal structural damage. The Israeli army reported that 10 people were killed near the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon as a result of their airstrikes, which were launched in response to the rocket attacks.
Intensified Bombing in Gaza: 40 Targets Hit
Simultaneously, the Israeli military has escalated its operations in Gaza, striking 40 targets in central Gaza in the past few hours. The bombings come in response to Hamas’ claims that its fighters had successfully engaged Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that the strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure,” including military facilities and weapons depots.
As the situation in Gaza worsens, the Israeli army has issued an urgent evacuation order to residents of the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, warning them to leave immediately due to ongoing rocket fire from Hamas. The IDF has warned that if civilians do not evacuate, they will be forcibly removed to ensure their safety during further military operations.
Hamas’ Claims and Rising Casualties
Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed on Saturday that they successfully ambushed Israeli soldiers in the Tal al-Hawa area, south of Gaza City. According to their statement, Hamas fighters detonated explosives on two Israeli military vehicles and engaged in a firefight, resulting in both fatalities and injuries among the Israeli soldiers. Although the Israeli military has yet to officially comment on this incident, Israeli media outlet Kan TV reported that 11 soldiers were injured in Gaza, without providing further details.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate. According to Gaza-based health officials, Israeli airstrikes over the past 48 hours have resulted in 69 deaths and 136 injuries. Since the conflict between Israel and Palestine reignited in October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has surged to 40,074, with a staggering 92,537 people injured.
As the conflict rages on, the region remains on edge, with both sides suffering devastating losses. The international community watches closely, though a resolution to the violence seems increasingly distant as hostilities show no signs of abating.
