Israel says it killed the head of Hamas' military operations group in Lebanon in a drone strike. The strike Monday came as Israel said its forces will remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon near the border after Tuesday’s deadline for their full withdrawal.

Tensions between Israel and Hamas are increasing just two days after the sixth hostage-prisoner exchange. Israel launched a fresh offensive against the Iran-backed group, even as Israel's security cabinet was expected to convene today to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

In a joint operation by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), IAF fighter jets eliminated Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas' Operations Department in Lebanon. The strike carried out in the area of Sidon,