Israel Kills Three in Airstrike Near Tripoli Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks

On July 8, 2025, an Israeli airstrike near the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli killed at least three people and wounded several others, targeting what Israel described as a key Hamas operative. The strike marked a rare attack in northern Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting Israel's ongoing military actions against Hamas and Hezbollah elements in Lebanon despite the truce. Israeli officials claimed the targeted individual was responsible for rocket attacks on northern Israeli cities, though Hamas sources disputed that a senior official was killed. The strike occurred amid ongoing ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar and followed a deadly day for Israeli forces in Gaza. Lebanon's Health Ministry confirmed casualties near a Palestinian refugee camp, while international attention focuses on the fragile ceasefire and regional stability. The incident underscores continued tensions as Israel maintains a policy of targeting militant groups in Lebanon, including Hamas and Hezbollah, despite diplomatic efforts.