A United Nations agency has verified that a person identified by Israel as the leader of Hamas in Lebanon was, in fact, a UN employee. This confirmation follows the individual's death in an Israeli airstrike. The UN agency, UNRWA, has acknowledged the situation, highlighting the complexities surrounding the conflict and the involvement of its personnel.

**Israel-Lebanon Update: Airstrikes Hit Central Beirut for the First Time in Nearly Two Decades** In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has conducted airstrikes in central Beirut, marking the first such action in 18 years. This operation comes amid ongoing tensions in the region and follows the reported killing of Hamas' leader in Lebanon during a separate series of strikes. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the complexities of the conflict.

**Middle East Crisis Update: Hamas Leader in Lebanon Reportedly Killed; Israel Accused of Striking Central Beirut** Hamas has announced that Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, its leader in Lebanon, was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon. This incident marks a significant escalation, as reports indicate that Israel has conducted a strike in the Kola district of Beirut, potentially the first attack on the heart of Lebanon's capital since 2006. Itay Blumental, a military correspondent for Israel’s Channel 11, shared on social media that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intercepted by the Israeli military was aimed at infrastructure in the Karish gas field, located offshore. The Israeli military has released a video claiming to show the interception. The Karish gas field is part of a deal brokered with Lebanon regarding disputed maritime boundaries in 2022. Additionally, both Reuters and Lebanon’s National News Agency have reported an Israeli strike targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.