An Israeli drone strike targeting a car in southern Lebanon near the coastal city of Tyre resulted in the deaths of a member of the Palestinian militant Hamas group and a civilian, according to sources.

Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on October 7, Israeli strikes have targeted and killed or wounded several high-ranking members of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group, in addition to their ally Hamas, in various parts of Lebanon.

The Hamas militant killed in the strike has been identified by Hamas as Hadi Mustafa, a member of their military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Mustafa was allegedly involved in directing cells to carry out attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets around the world. The Israeli military, on the other hand, released a video of the strike, supporting their claim that Mustafa posed a significant threat.

The strike not only claimed the life of Mustafa but also resulted in the death of a Syrian citizen riding a motorcycle near the targeted car. Two more individuals were wounded during the attack. This incident follows the airstrike on a Hezbollah member and another person, which caused 20 casualties. The Israeli strikes were executed as a response to a barrage of 100 Katyusha rockets, fired by Hezbollah, aimed at Israeli military positions, including two bases in northern Israel earlier that day.

The United States, along with other nations, actively continues to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the ongoing Gaza war from spreading to Lebanon. With Hezbollah militants and Israeli soldiers aggressively exchanging fire along the volatile Lebanon-Israel border, international mediators are working tirelessly to avert a full-fledged war in the small nation of Lebanon.

In response to the initial attack by Hamas-led militants in southern Israel on October 7, Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip. The offensive has led to the deaths of more than 31,000 Palestinians, displaced hundreds of thousands, and caused extensive destruction. Despite the high human toll, Hezbollah remains determined to continue the fight until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza.

Earlier this year, Lebanon witnessed a significant Israeli strike in early June. The attack claimed the lives of Hamas official Saleh Arouri and six others. The incident occurred in a Beirut apartment and sent shockwaves throughout the region.