Israel Kills Hamas Deputy Leader in Drone Strike in Beirut
Israel carried out a targeted drone strike in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, killing Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri on Tuesday, according to Lebanese and Palestinian security sources. The assassination marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns that the war in Gaza could spread beyond its borders.
Arouri, 57, is the first senior Hamas political leader to be assassinated since Israel launched an extensive air and ground offensive against Gaza’s Hamas rulers nearly three months ago. The offensive was in response to Hamas’ surprise attacks on Israeli towns.
Tensions between Israel and its ally, Hezbollah, have been rife along Lebanon’s southern border since the Gaza war began in October. Israel has accused Arouri of orchestrating lethal attacks on Israeli citizens. However, a Hamas official has revealed that Arouri was also involved in negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt, concerning the outcome of the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Whilst Israel neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the killing, its military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated that Israeli forces were prepared for any scenario. Israel remains focused on fighting Hamas, Hagari added.
In response to the assassination, the State Department in Washington condemned statements made by Israeli cabinet ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. The ministers’ comments advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza were deemed inflammatory and irresponsible.
These remarks have exacerbated fears in the Arab world that Israel intends to drive Palestinians out of their land and replicate the mass dispossession experienced during Israel’s creation in 1948.
Arouri, the co-founder of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz-el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, has been a target of Israeli accusations for years. In August 2023, he boldly stated, I am waiting for martyrdom (death) and I think I have lived too long, alluding to Israel’s intentions to eliminate Hamas leaders.
The killing of Arouri, a high-ranking Hamas official, is expected to trigger an escalation of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, a major supporter of both Hamas and Hezbollah, stated that Arouri’s death would ignite a surge in resistance against the Zionist occupiers not only in Palestine but also among freedom-seekers worldwide.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had previously warned Israel against carrying out any assassinations on Lebanese soil and warned of a severe reaction. In response to Arouri’s killing, hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets in the West Bank, seeking revenge.
The Gaza war began in October when Hamas launched a cross-border assault on Israeli towns. Israel claims that 1,200 people were killed, and approximately 240 hostages were taken to Gaza. Meanwhile, the Gaza health ministry reported 207 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to 22,185 in almost three months of war.
As the conflict intensifies, civilian casualties have mounted, particularly in south Gaza. Israel blames Hamas for embedding fighters among the civilians, a claim Hamas denies, asserting that Israel deliberately targets innocent people.
Amid mounting global outcry over the suffering of Gaza civilians, Israel has faced pressure from its main supporter, the United States, to reconsider its offensive strategy. The US urges Israel to shift focus towards targeted strikes on Hamas leaders, rather than its current air and ground blitz.
Israel has hinted at plans to withdraw some troops, indicating a possible new phase in the war. However, it has cautioned that the offensive will continue for several more months.
Israel’s bombardments have plunged Gaza’s 2.3 million residents into a humanitarian disaster, leaving thousands destitute and on the verge of famine due to food shortages.
Shortly before Arouri’s assassination, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, also based outside of Gaza, expressed that the movement had responded to an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal. Hamas demands a complete cessation of Israel’s offensive in exchange for the release of more hostages.
Israel estimates that 129 hostages remain in Gaza, as some were released during a temporary truce in late November, while others were killed during airstrikes or rescue attempts.
As Israel continues its campaign to eradicate Hamas, its future plans for the enclave and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state remain uncertain.
Gaza residents report heavy bombardments by Israeli warplanes and tanks in the eastern and northern districts of Khan Younis, where Palestinians who were displaced from their homes have sought refuge.
An attending United Nations worker revealed that a 5-day-old baby and four others were killed when the hospital in Khan Younis was hit by Israeli strikes.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel has destroyed 12 Hamas regiments in the northern Gaza Strip. Out of the 15,000-18,000 militants previously based in the area, only a few thousand remain, with many having fled southward.
The assassination of a key Hamas leader and the ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah raise concerns that the Gaza war could spread further, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Both sides remain entrenched in their positions, and the international community continues to apply pressure for a sustainable resolution.
