In a major development, a senior Hamas leader based in Lebanon has reportedly been assassinated. Hamas has confirmed the killing of Salah al-Aruri, describing him as one of the founding members of its military wing. His importance to the organization can be gauged by the fact that the United States had offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his capture in 2015. Israel, while not officially claiming responsibility for the assassination, has alluded to the demise of its enemies, with Israel's finance minister stating that they will 'perish.'
This incident marks an escalation of tension in the region, as it is unusual to see such attacks taking place in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Typically, skirmishes between Israel and Lebanon occur in the southern parts of the country. Reports indicate that three explosions were heard during the incident, which is said to have been an aerial strike. Locals in the area have recounted hearing the loud explosions that rocked the vicinity. The debris from the attack was scattered over a substantial area, indicating a targeted strike.
