Hamas leader killed in Lebanon was UN employee, agency confirms

The leader of Hamas in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif, was confirmed to be an employee of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) who was suspended in March due to allegations of involvement in political activities. Despite protests and strikes in Lebanon following his suspension, UNRWA did not fire him. Sherif was accused of coordinating terrorist activities for Hamas in Lebanon and recruiting operatives. Israeli officials have accused UNRWA of having terrorist sympathizers, which the agency denies. Israel has been conducting airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militant groups in the region. The situation has escalated, with reports of airstrikes in central Beirut and threats of retaliation from Iran. President Biden has called for avoiding all-out war in the Middle East.