(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Israel is believed to be responsible for launching an airstrike that killed Hamas senior leader Saleh al-Arouri in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
Video footage circulating on social media shows several burnt vehicles as a result of the airstrike, possibly carried out using Israeli fighter jets or drones.
The attack took place in Dahiyeh, a neighborhood in Beirut known as a stronghold for the Hezbollah movement, while also housing offices for Hamas in the Mediterranean country.
Media reports indicate that, besides Arouri, two senior commanders from the al-Qassam Brigades and four unidentified individuals were also killed.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the incident, labeling it as a criminal act by Israel.
In a previous interview with Al-Jazeera last month, Arouri stated that Hamas would not engage in discussions regarding prisoner exchanges unless Israel ceased its attacks on Gaza.
“Our side is prepared to face any military scenario. There is no fear or concern. We will prevail,” he declared.
Israeli officials have repeatedly threatened to target Hamas leaders outside of Palestine, including in Lebanon, Qatar, and Turkey, in response to attacks that occurred on October 7.
In November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had instructed Mossad to “kill all Hamas leaders wherever they are.”
Arouri served as the deputy chairman of Hamas’ political bureau and was a founder of the group’s military wing in the West Bank.
Born on August 19, 1966, in Ramallah in the West Bank during its time under Jordanian control, he received education at Hebron University and was among the founders of the al-Qassam Brigades. — DSA