World News: Israel launches drone attack in southern Lebanon killing head of Hamas' military operations

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Just before the deadline for Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike killed the head of Hamas' military operations in the country.

On Monday, the Israeli military confirmed that a targeted drone strike in Sidon, southern Lebanon, killed Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas' operations department in Lebanon.

Israel says Shaheen was involved in planning attacks against Israeli citizens with support from Iran.

The incident occurred just one day before the February 18 deadline for Israel's full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stated in a recent ceasefire agreement.

In response, Hezbollah's leadership has issued strict warnings, stating that any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed-upon deadline will be considered an occupation, and they are prepared to take necessary actions.

China has condemned the United States, following a recent update to the U.S. State Department's website concerning Taiwan. The alteration has contrastingly received a welcome response from Taiwan.

On Monday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized updates made by the U.S. State Department last week on its online fact sheet on Taiwan. The State Department removed the phrase that said it does not support Taiwan's independence.

The Chinese spokesperson said the U.S.' position sent the wrong message to Taiwan's independence separatist forces and urged the U.S. to immediately rectify its mistakes.

Conversely, the Taiwanese government described the updated language as "positive and friendly," reflecting the strengthening ties between Washington and Taipei.

In Canada, a Delta Air Lines plane crash-landed on Monday at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down upon impact.

The aircraft carried 76 passengers and four crew members. Emergency responders reported at least 15 injuries, with three critical injuries, including a child.

While the cause of the crash is yet unknown, the flight was operating amid windy weather after a snowstorm. Initial investigations point to the recent heavy snowfall as the cause of the crash.

All flights at the airport were suspended, causing delays and diversions.

Finally, in Hong Kong, its first locally born giant panda twins were revealed to the public for the first time.

The six-month-old cubs, born in August 2024, were introduced to large crowds at Hong Kong's Ocean Park over the weekend.

The two baby pandas are currently referred to as "Elder Sister" and "Little Brother," but a public contest to name them has been launched, and the submissions will open until March 7. The so-called "panda economy" is expected to boost tourism and local businesses in the city.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.