Hamas Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri was killed in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, in an attack by Israeli forces, the militant group’s security officials said Tuesday. Earlier, local Lebanese media reported the attack that rocked the streets of the Dahyeh district in southern Beirut and a well-known Hezbollah stronghold. Saleh al-Arouri, a founding member of Hamas’ military wing and head of operations in the West Bank, has been a significant figure in the organization’s activities. His death in an Israeli airstrike represents a significant blow to Hamas and a substantial escalation in regional conflicts with Israel.
Before the recent conflict that began on October 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already expressed his intention to target al-Arouri. Israel has not yet commented on the events, nor have the Lebanese authorities.