In a targeted drone attack, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have successfully assassinated Ayman Ratma, a prominent weapons supplier for Hamas in the Bekaa valley in Lebanon. The IDF alleges that Ratma played a crucial role in directing weapons supplies for Hamas and Jamaa Islamiya, a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.

According to the IDF, the decision to target Ratma was based on his involvement in promoting and executing terrorist activities against Israel, as well as his role in advancing terrorist actions against Israeli civilians. A video posted on X by Lebanese news agency Al-Akhbar showed Ratma's vehicle engulfed in flames, confirming the success of the operation.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Guterres warned of the potential for a wider regional conflict in the Middle East and urged all parties to avoid further escalation.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Guterres emphasized the risk of the conflict spreading and creating a catastrophe in the region. He specifically mentioned that Lebanon could not afford to experience a situation similar to that of Gaza. Recent clashes along the Israeli-Lebanese border have resulted in more than 400 casualties, including 80 civilian deaths. Over the past eight months, 16 Israeli soldiers and 11 civilians have also lost their lives.

Tensions have been on the rise following Israel's assassination of Taleb Abdullah, a senior commander of Hezbollah, in south-eastern Lebanon. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets into northern Israel, marking one of their largest attacks since the war between Israel and Gaza began in October.

The situation remains volatile, with near-daily exchanges of fire between the IDF and Hezbollah along the border. As the UN Secretary General warns of the risks of wider conflict, diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed in the region.