An explosion in Beirut Claims Lives of Senior Hamas Leaders. Hamas has confirmed the deaths of Saleh al-Arouri, its top deputy, and two leaders of the group’s armed wing in an explosion in Lebanon. The incident, described by Hamas as a “Zionist raid,” occurred in a Beirut suburb.
In a televised address, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh announced the deaths of seven members of the strike, pointing out that it violated Lebanon’s sovereignty.
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Two senior U.S. officials have stated that Israel is responsible for the strike, and while Israel’s prime minister’s office has not commented, the military declined to discuss the matter.
Saleh al-Arouri, a founder of Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, served as deputy chairman of the group’s political bureau. He was also Hamas’s head in the West Bank. However, security officials note that he spent much of his recent years in Beirut, acting as an ambassador to Hezbollah.
Haniyeh criticized the strike, stating that Israel’s attempts to break the people’s will would not succeed. He also emphasized the violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military announced the withdrawal of some troops from Gaza as part of a planned pullout, but heavy fighting continued, with targeted operations killing dozens of Hamas fighters.
The context includes a recent landmark ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The ruling struck down a law limiting the judiciary’s powers, with potential implications for the government’s actions.
However, amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, there is a cautious approach to avoid an immediate constitutional crisis.
Israel’s military plans a gradual return of residents to communities over 2.5 miles from the Gaza border, with additional defensive measures. Several communities near the border were devastated by the Oct. 7 attacks.
Summary:
- An explosion in Beirut claimed the lives of top Hamas leaders.
- Hamas attributes the incident to a “Zionist raid” in a Beirut suburb.
- Israel is implicated, according to two senior U.S. officials.
- Saleh al-Arouri, a key Hamas figure, and two armed wing leaders were among the casualties.
- Israel’s military withdraws some troops from Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.
- The Supreme Court ruling in Israel adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape.
- The gradual return of residents is planned for areas near the Gaza border.
- Ongoing conflict with Hamas prompts a cautious political approach.
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