The Demise of Saleh al-Arouri, the Hamas Leader, in Beirut: Unveiling the Details

Saleh al-Arouri, a prominent figure in Hamas, was killed in an explosion in Beirut's southern suburb. Serving as the deputy head of Hamas's political bureau, as well as playing a key role in establishing the group's military wing, al-Arouri was deeply involved in the group's military affairs. The attack was blamed on Israel by Hamas. Al-Arouri had close ties to Iran and Hezbollah, having served time in Israeli prisons before becoming a negotiator in a prisoner exchange deal. The Israeli army had demolished his home in the West Bank earlier this year. Lebanese media reported that al-Arouri and six others were killed in an Israeli drone attack on Hamas's office in Beirut. The killing will likely escalate tensions at a crucial point in the conflict. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister condemned it as an Israeli war crime, while Hezbollah warned of a response. Hamas called it a cowardly assassination by Israel. Israel has not commented on the reports. The region now anxiously awaits Hezbollah's reaction and fears a spill-over of Israel's conflict with Gaza into Lebanon.