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A senior Fatah official has accused Israel of deliberately targeting and assassinating Khalil al-Maqdah, a prominent Fatah figure in Lebanon, with the intent of igniting a broader regional conflict. The accusation was made by Tawfiq Tirawy, a high-ranking member of Fatah, during an interview with AFP news agency on Tuesday.
“Al-Maqdah’s assassination is further proof that Israel wants to ignite a full-scale war in the region,” Tirawy stated, emphasizing that this act of violence is a continuation of Israel’s aggressive policies in the Middle East.
The assassination occurred amidst escalating tensions following Israel’s extensive military operations in Lebanon, which have been linked to the ongoing Gaza war. These operations have resulted in the deaths of over 600 people, including more than 130 civilians, according to reports from local and international observers.
Israel has yet to officially comment on the accusations surrounding al-Maqdah’s death. However, the Israeli government has previously justified its actions in Lebanon as necessary measures for national security, particularly in response to threats from Hezbollah and other militant groups operating within the country. Israel’s actions in Lebanon have been widely condemned by Arab nations and international human rights organizations, which have decried the loss of civilian lives and the potential for further destabilization in an already volatile region.
Khalil al-Maqdah was a prominent figure within Fatah, the leading political and military faction of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). His death has sparked outrage among Palestinian factions and their supporters, further complicating the delicate situation in Lebanon, where tensions between various militant groups and the Lebanese government have been on the rise.
The carnage worsens the situation along the border between Israel and Lebanon, where tensions have escalated. In recent months, Hezbollah has increased its activities in the region in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, raising concerns that the conflict is escalating into a full-scale conflict. largely involving many state and non-state actors across the Middle East.