Israeli raid kills Hamas leader in Sidon amid escalating tensions

Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike early this Friday, April 4th, targeting a residential apartment on Dalaa Street in the city of Sidon, southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of at least three people. According to news sources, the attack aimed at Hamas leader "Hassan Farhat," who was killed in the raid along with his son and daughter. The airstrike was a response to two rockets launched by Israeli drones at the residential apartment, causing a fire to break out. Firefighting and ambulance teams rushed to the scene, while two explosions were heard in the area. Later on, other areas in southern Lebanon were reportedly hit by similar airstrikes, targeting Wadi Azza in the Tyre region. The echoes of the airstrikes were heard in the cities of Nabatieh and Sidon, indicating a continued escalation in the region. Additionally, the Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed two injuries from an airstrike targeting a car on the road to Bint Jbeil last Thursday. The ministry also condemned Israeli attacks on medical facilities in the south, including the destruction of a temporary health center in the town of Naqoura. This escalation comes despite the ceasefire agreement in place since the end of November 2024, with Israel continuing its airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in various areas of southern Lebanon, in clear violation of the truce. Israel has also failed to complete its withdrawal from some southern areas despite its commitments to do so in February.