Israeli strike kills Islamic Jihad commander and daughter near Baalbek

An Israeli missile strike on an apartment near Baalbek killed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander and his 17-year-old daughter, according to Lebanese state media. The attack occurred despite a fragile ceasefire and followed a series of Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon.

By Belfast Herald Staff Reporter1 min read

An Israeli missile strike targeted an apartment on the outskirts of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon. The attack killed Wael Abdel Halim, a commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and his 17-year-old daughter.

Lebanese authorities reported the strike occurred around midnight on 17 May 2026. The health ministry confirmed the fatalities and noted additional casualties from strikes in southern Lebanon.

The strike took place amid ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon and frequent evacuation warnings. The Israeli military had issued evacuation orders for four villages near Sidon, including areas previously warned.