New Delhi: Senior Hezbollah commander Sheikh Muhammad Ali Hamadi was shot dead outside his home in the Machghara area of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on Tuesday night. According to reports, unidentified gunmen fired six shots at Hamadi in a drive-by attack. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Hamadi was a major figure within Hezbollah and was also on the FBI’s most-wanted terrorist list for his involvement in the 1985 hijacking of a TWA flight en route to Rome from Athens. The incident, which left 153 passengers and crew members hostage, also saw the torture and murder of an American passenger.
Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah nearing its end
Reports further mentioned that Lebanese authorities have launched an investigation. Preliminary findings have ruled out political motives for the murder suggesting the killing may have stemmed from a years-long family feud.
The assassination of Hamadi came at a time when tensions have escalated in the region, with the 60-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah nearing its end. Under the deal, Israel is required to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon by January 26, while Hezbollah must retreat north of the Litani River.
The ceasefire agreement reached on November 27 mandated Hezbollah to immediately surrender its weapons in southern Lebanon, with Israel required to withdraw its forces within 60 days and hand over control to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.
However, Israel has only pulled out of two of the numerous towns it controls in southern Lebanon. Additionally, it has continued airstrikes on what it claims are Hezbollah bases, accusing the group of trying to launch rockets and relocate weapons to evade confiscation and destruction.
1.2 million Lebanese displaced
The ongoing conflict has displaced over 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis. Lebanese officials report over 3,700 deaths, primarily civilians, due to Israel’s bombing campaign, while more than 130 Israelis have been killed.
