Hamas has established a presence in Lebanon since the 1990s, primarily operating within Palestinian refugee camps where they offer logistical support and occasionally launch attacks against Israel.

With around 250,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon facing significant restrictions, these camps have become fertile ground for militant recruitment.

The popularity of Hamas among the Palestinian community in Lebanon surged following the October 7 attacks in Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths.

Since October, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly killed 21 Palestinian militants in Lebanon, while over 400 Hezbollah fighters have also been killed during the same timeframe.

The IDF asserts that their strikes target individuals involved in attacks on Israel, whether they are collaborating with Hezbollah or acting independently.

This ongoing campaign primarily focuses on mid-level Hamas members involved in finance or logistics, with a significant strike in January resulting in the death of senior figure Saleh Arouri.

The assassination campaign has intensified, as evidenced by Hamas operative Nidal Hleihel surviving an Israeli missile strike in Sidon, Lebanon.

Ayman Shanaa, Hamas’s deputy political chief in Lebanon, has warned that Palestinian factions must be prepared for potential assassinations at any moment.

Recent drone strikes in the Ein El Hilweh camp have led to the deaths of Hamas officials, which in turn has fueled public demonstrations in support of the group.

The ongoing Israeli strikes are pushing Hamas closer to Hezbollah, which maintains a dominant military presence in Lebanon, as both groups share a common adversary in Israel.

Despite their collaboration against Israel, Hamas, a Sunni group, and Hezbollah, a Shiite group, have a complex relationship rooted in differing ideologies.

Analysts suggest that the assassination campaign may ultimately enhance Hamas's legitimacy and recruitment efforts within Lebanon.