Israeli Drone Strike in Beirut Kills Hamas Deputy Leader Saleh Arouri
In response to Arouri's killing, hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets in the West Bank, condemning the act and chanting slogans seeking revenge. | In a dramatic turn of events, Israel conducted a drone strike in Beirut, assassinating Hamas deputy leader Saleh Arouri. The strike, which took place on Tuesday, has ignited fears of the Gaza conflict spreading beyond the Palestinian enclave. ● Arouri, 57, was the first senior Hamas political leader to be assassinated since Israel launched a comprehensive air and ground offensive against the group nearly three months ago. The conflict began with a surprise attack by Hamas into Israeli settlements on October 7, resulting in a devastating war. ● Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a key ally of Hamas, has been engaged in near-daily clashes with Israel across Lebanon’s southern border since the Gaza war started. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issued a stern warning to Israel against further assassinations on Lebanese soil, promising a “severe reaction.”
■ Hezbollah source says local chief among 4 killed in south Lebanon (Hürriyet Daily News)
■ Israel spreads war on Gaza to Beirut with killing of Hamas leader (Daily Sabah)
■ Israel launches deadly Gaza strikes as Mideast tensions rise (Hürriyet Daily News)