Israel Accused of Targeted Strike Killing Hamas Deputy Leader in Beirut Suburb
Israel accused of precision drone strike in Beirut that killed Hamas deputy Saleh al-Arouri and other Hamas leaders, escalating tensions in the region and raising concerns of a larger regional war.
In an unprecedented move that further escalates tensions in the region, Israel has been accused of a precision drone strike that killed Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas, in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut. Lebanese state-run National News Agency confirmed that the blast originated from an Israeli drone. Al-Arouri was seen as the prime orchestrator of West Bank terrorism and was considered to be one of the most notorious Hamas figures. Seven people in total were reportedly killed in the explosion. This includes al-Arouri, along with military commanders Samir Findi and Azzam Al-Aqraa, and other Hamas figures.
The strike was a precision attack on a third-floor apartment commonly used as an office by the terror group. Israel has vowed to target all leaders of Hamas after the large-scale attack that saw Hamas claiming the lives of thousands, primarily civilians, on October 7. It is widely speculated that al-Arouri was killed in retaliation for Hamas's brutal October 7 attack. Tensions have been at an all-time high following the war in Gaza, with Hezbollah vowing retaliation against any Israeli targeting of Palestinian officials in Lebanon, and the Palestinian Authority announcing a general strike in response to the deadly strike. Hamas has responded to the killing, stating that the attack “will not undermine the continued brave resistance in Gaza where the Palestinian militant group is battling Israeli forces.
In the meantime, Hamas's top officials have refused to back down, urging "continued brave resistance" despite the Israeli targeting and killings. The situation continues to raise more concerns for a larger regional war, as Hezbollah has been carrying out attacks against Israel's north, citing support for Hamas, and a long history of clashes along the border. The assassination of al-Arouri by Israel has evoked strong reactions from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the wider international community, with fears of further escalation in the ongoing conflict.