Breaking news live updates: Israeli strikes kill Hamas-linked leader in Lebanon
01:18 (IST) Apr 23
On Tuesday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon resulted in the deaths of two individuals, one of whom was identified as a leader from Jamaa Islamiya, a Lebanese Islamist group aligned with Hamas. The group and the Israeli military confirmed the incident. Despite a truce established in November with Hezbollah, aimed at ceasing hostilities, Israel has continued its regular strikes in Lebanon.
Lebanese civil defence reported that an Israeli drone struck a car near Damour, south of Beirut, resulting in the recovery of a body. Jamaa Islamiya identified the deceased as Hussein Atwi, describing him as an "academic leader and university professor," stating his car was targeted en route to his Beirut workplace. The Israeli army confirmed Atwi's "elimination," labeling him a "significant terrorist" within Jamaa Islamiya and claiming he was involved in planning attacks against Israel in coordination with Hamas, including rocket attacks and infiltration attempts. A Lebanese security official added that Atwi headed Jamaa Islamiya's armed wing, the Al-Fajr Forces, and had been previously targeted by Israel. Jamaa Islamiya, with close ties to Hamas and Hezbollah, had claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel before the ceasefire.
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