Death of Hamas No. 2 in Israeli Attack Raises Fears of War Escalation

Hamas Indicates Suspension of Ceasefire Talks
Iran, Hezbollah and Others React Strongly

Saleh Al-Arouri, known as the deputy leader of the Palestinian armed faction Hamas' political bureau, died in an Israeli attack.

Major foreign media including AFP reported on the 2nd (local time) that the Israeli military attacked a Hamas facility located on the outskirts of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, using drones, citing Lebanon's state-run NNA news agency.

Hamas facility on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, hit by airstrikes
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to foreign reports, around 6 p.m. that day, Israel attacked the Hamas office, resulting in six deaths and several injuries. Among the deceased was confirmed to be Saleh Al-Arouri, the deputy head of Hamas' political bureau and known as the third-ranking figure in Hamas overall.

Al-Arouri was a figure whom Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed to kill even before the outbreak of the war. He was an early member who founded Hamas' military organization and had been active as a leader in the West Bank area of Israel where Palestinian residents live.

The Israeli military has not yet issued an official statement. However, Hamas and Iran have pointed to Israel as the party behind the attack.

Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas' political bureau, condemned the attack as "an act of terrorism, a violation of Lebanese sovereignty, and a hostile act against Palestine." Hamas senior leader Ezzat al-Rishq released a statement saying, "Our brave resistance in the Gaza Strip will never weaken." It is also reported that Hamas has informed Egypt and Qatar that it will suspend ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel.

Iran issued a strong warning of resistance against Israel. According to reports including Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released a statement calling Israel "a criminal regime based on terrorism and crime, as proven once again." He also described the killing of Al-Arouri as an 'assassination' and pointed out that it violated Lebanon's sovereignty and territory.

Hezbollah, the Islamic armed faction wielding strong influence in Lebanon, issued a statement saying, "Israel's assassination of Al-Arouri is not something that can be overlooked without response or punishment." Israel is also confronting Hezbollah, which has intervened in the war with Hamas.

Najib Mikati, Lebanon's interim Prime Minister, criticized Israel, saying it has "the intention to drag Lebanon into a new phase."

Mohammad Shtayyeh, Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA), also issued a statement condemning the assassination of Al-Arouri. The Ramallah branch of Fatah, led by PA head Mahmoud Abbas, announced a general strike for one day on the 3rd in response to Israel's killing of Al-Arouri.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.