An explosion in Beirut on Tuesday claimed the life of Saleh Arouri, a prominent figure associated with Hamas, along with three others, as reported by AP which cited Lebanon's state-run national news agency. The incident is said to have involved an Israeli drone, though Israeli authorities have refrained from providing any official statements.
Hamas representative Bassem Naim corroborated to news agency Associated Press that Arouri was indeed among those killed. Additionally, a Hezbollah official, preferring anonymity due to regulatory concerns, also confirmed Arouri's demise.
Arouri, recognised as one of the pioneers of Hamas' military wing and previously overseeing the group's activities in the West Bank, had been a target of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Threats against Arouri emerged even before the commencement of the Hamas-Israel conflict on October 7.
The explosion resonated in Musharafieh, situated in Beirut's southern suburbs, a region known to be a stronghold for Hezbollah, a significant ally of Hamas. The aftermath of the blast resulted in fires on Hadi Nasrallah Street, adding to the tension in the area.
This incident unfolds amidst ongoing confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah members along the Lebanon-Israel border. Since hostilities erupted on October 8, skirmishes have primarily remained near the border. However, there have been instances where Israel's air force targeted Hezbollah positions deeper within Lebanese territory.
Earlier reports from Hezbollah indicated that its operatives had initiated multiple attacks along the Lebanon-Israel boundary, specifically targeting Israeli military installations.
In recent months, the region has witnessed heightened tensions, with Israel reportedly conducting airstrikes that resulted in casualties among Hezbollah fighters and civilians, including children, the elderly, and journalists, according to figures provided by Hezbollah and certain security sources.