In Beirut, the Lebanese Army has announced that Hamas has surrendered a militant suspected of launching rockets into northern Israel. The individual, identified only by the initials M.G., was handed over at Ein el-Hilweh, a refugee camp located in the southern city of Sidon. This suspect is allegedly involved in two separate rocket attacks on Israel back in March.
On Friday, Lebanon’s main military authority issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening severe repercussions if the group orchestrates any further attacks from Lebanese soil. This warning comes on the heels of the recent apprehension of several Lebanese and Palestinians who were suspected of firing rockets into northern Israel. These incidents occurred just months after a ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States last November, was put into place. The response to these attacks was a series of extensive Israeli airstrikes targeting areas in southern Lebanon and parts of southern Beirut.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, Hamas has launched multiple attacks against Israel from its positions in Lebanon. In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of numerous Hamas figures, including key military leader Saleh Arouri in Beirut.
The already tense situation in southern Lebanon worsened in subsequent months with a dramatic increase in hostilities between the Hezbollah group and Israel. In a significant escalation, Israel carried out targeted assassinations against Hezbollah’s leadership, including their long-standing secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, leading to over 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon.
Despite Israel’s control over five strategic hilltops in southern Lebanon, it has continuously urged the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, accusing the organization of attempting to rearm in violation of the ceasefire terms. In contrast, Hezbollah claims it has decreased its military activities in southern Lebanon in adherence to the ceasefire agreement, while criticizing Israel for its continued military aggression in the region.