Israeli Airstrike Kills Key Hamas Commander in Northern Lebanon

The Israeli Air Force conducted a targeted strike in northern Lebanon near Tripoli, killing Maharan Mustafa Bajur, the head of planning for Hamas' military wing in Lebanon. Israeli military sources stated that Bajur was responsible for directing numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and military targets, including rocket launches across northern Israeli cities. This strike marks the first Israeli targeted killing in the Tripoli area since a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel took effect in November 2024. Hamas confirmed the elimination of its senior leader Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amin in a separate strike near Tyre, who had openly supported Hamas' October 7 massacre. Hezbollah has reportedly entered a state of high alert amid escalating Israeli airstrikes, with commanders taking security precautions and relocating. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack is in Lebanon to discuss efforts to disarm Hezbollah and other militant groups, highlighting ongoing international concern over regional instability.