In an unprecedented development, a senior Hamas leader, Salah al-Aruri, was reportedly assassinated in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, according to statements from Hamas. Al-Aruri, considered one of the founders of the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, had a bounty of up to $5 million issued by the United States for information leading to his capture in 2015. Israel's finance minister proclaimed that all of Israel's enemies will perish, although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the assassination.
Reports indicate that the attack took place in central Beirut, not the usual conflict-prone southern region. Lebanese news agencies have reported three explosions, suspected to be the result of an aerial strike. Witnesses in the area recounted hearing three loud blasts during the incident, leaving debris scattered across an approximately 100-meter radius.
