The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) commended today what it called a “strong and focused” response against the Israeli Occupation carried out by Lebanese group Hezbollah.

“We praise and commend…[the attack]...against several vital and strategic targets deep within the Zionist entity,” it said in a statement on its official Telegram channel.

“This action comes in retaliation for the assassination of the prominent jihadist leader, Sayyed Fouad Shukr, may he rest in peace, and in response to the ongoing crimes and aggression by the Zionist occupation in Gaza and Lebanon,” it added.

Hezbollah announced earlier Sunday the successful completion of the first phase of its operation, which involved targeting Israeli Occupation military bases and sites after the Israeli Occupation launched a 'preemptive attack on Hezbollah.'

This action was aimed at facilitating the passage of attack drones towards their intended targets deep within 'Israeli' territory.

Hezbollah confirmed that over 320 Katyusha rockets were launched towards various Israeli Occupation military positions.

Earlier, the Israeli Occupation military initiated a large-scale preemptive operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Sunday.

An 'Israeli' official emphasized that the operation was not intended to start a war but to eliminate a significant threat to millions of 'Israeli' settlers.

The future escalation, according to sources, depends on Hezbollah's actions, as reported by Channel 12.