An Israeli drone strike on a car near the Lebanon-Syria border resulted in the death of Mohammed Baraa Katerji, a prominent Syrian businessman with close ties to the government of President Bashar Assad. Katerji, who had been sanctioned by the United States, was killed instantly in his SUV on the highway linking Lebanon with Syria. The strike was reportedly carried out by Israel, although details remain scarce.
Katerji's involvement in funding the Syrian resistance against Israel in the Golan Heights and his connections to Iran-backed groups in Syria are believed to be possible reasons for his targeting. The U.S. Treasury Department had previously sanctioned Katerji in 2018 for his alleged role as Assad's middleman in trading oil with the Islamic State group and facilitating weapons shipments from Iraq to Syria.
Israel has a history of launching strikes in Syria on targets associated with Iran, its regional supporter, often without official acknowledgment. These strikes have intensified in recent months amid the conflict in Gaza and ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the Lebanon-Israel border.
Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of Three, Including a Baby and Grandmother, in Central Gaza
In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, resulted in the deaths of a baby boy, his grandmother, and another man. At least six individuals were wounded in the attack, with 11 people taken to the hospital for treatment. The strike caused significant devastation and casualties in the al-Salam neighborhood.
The Palestinian Red Crescent provided immediate medical assistance to the wounded, transporting them to Al Aqsa hospital. Heartbreaking scenes unfolded as the injured were rushed in for treatment, with images showing the tragic loss of life, including the infant placed beside his grandmother's lifeless body.
Over the past 24 hours, Gaza has witnessed a surge in casualties, with at least 80 people killed and 216 injured. The total toll since the conflict began in October stands at 38,664 Palestinians killed and 89,097 injured, according to Gaza health officials.
Suspected Houthi Attack Targets Ship in Red Sea
In a separate development, Yemen's Houthi rebels reportedly carried out a suspected attack on a ship in the Red Sea. The vessel, which was hit by uncrewed small craft and missile strikes, managed to evade serious damage, and all crew members are reported safe. The incident occurred off the coast of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, as a new American aircraft carrier approached the region.
The Houthis, known for their maritime attacks, have targeted numerous vessels in recent months, claiming to aim at ships associated with Israel, the United States, or Britain. Despite their assertions, some of the targeted ships have had minimal or no connection to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
