Israel army says it 'eliminated' Hamas leader in Lebanon

Israeli army eliminates Hamas leader in Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed militant groups, sparking controversy and retaliation from Hamas.

The Israeli army said on Monday (September 30, 2024) its forces "eliminated" Hamas's leader in Lebanon, as it continued to target Iran-backed militant groups in the neighbouring country.

"Overnight ... the IAF (air force) struck and eliminated the terrorist Fatah Sharif, head of the Lebanon branch of the Hamas terrorist organisation," the military said in a statement.

Also Read: Israeli airstrike hits Lebanon on September 30, 2024 live updates

Mr. Sharif "was responsible for coordinating Hamas' terror activities in Lebanon with Hezbollah operatives. He was also responsible for Hamas' efforts in Lebanon to recruit operatives and acquire weapons," the statement said.

"He led the Hamas terrorist organisation's force build-up efforts in Lebanon and operated to advance Hamas' interests in Lebanon, both politically and militarily," it added.

Also Read: Who were the seven high-ranking Hezbollah officials killed over the past week?

Hamas said earlier on Monday that Mr. Sharif was killed in an air strike on his home in the Al-Bass camp in southern Lebanon. The group said he was killed with his wife, son and daughter in a "terrorist and criminal assassination".