Israeli drone attacks Lebanon, kills Hamas commander – Media

BEIRUT, Aug. 9 (TASS) An Israeli Air Force drone has crashed into a car in the Lebanese city of Sidon, the Naharnet news website reported.

According to Naharnet, Hamas commander Samer al-Hajj was killed and another member of the Palestinian movement was injured. According to Naharnet, al-Hajj was responsible for security in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh, located on the outskirts of Saida.

A source in the city’s civil defense department told TASS by telephone that the car caught fire after the attack and the fighter who was in the car with al-Hajj was taken to hospital with injuries and burns. According to the source, this was the first Israeli drone attack on Sidon city center since tensions escalated in October 2023.

Saida is considered the third largest city in Lebanon after Beirut and Tripoli. Ain al-Hilweh is the largest Palestinian camp in the country, hosting over 100,000 refugees. The country is home to a total of 12 Palestinian camps, while the total number of refugees is estimated at 450,000.