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In a dramatic turn of events, a senior Hamas official, Saleh al-Arouri, was killed in a targeted Israeli drone strike in Beirut on Tuesday. The attack, which occurred in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold for the allied Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, has escalated tensions in the region.
Drone Strike Claims Six Lives
The drone attack, reportedly hitting a Hamas office in south Beirut, resulted in the death of six people, according to the Lebanese state news agency. The incident underscores the widening scope of the Israel-Hamas conflict, extending beyond the confines of the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah's Involvement and Lebanon's Response
Hezbollah, a heavily armed ally of Hamas, has been engaged in near-daily clashes with Israel along Lebanon's southern border since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October. Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the drone strike as a "new Israeli crime," characterizing it as an attempt to drag Lebanon into the conflict.
Israeli Denial and Mark Regev's Statement
While Israel did not officially claim responsibility for the attack, Mark Regev, an adviser to the Israeli prime minister, stated that regardless of Israel's acknowledgment, the strike was a precise targeting of Hamas leadership, not an assault on the Lebanese state.
Accusations Against Arouri and Hamas' Response
Israel had accused Arouri of overseeing and orchestrating Hamas attacks in the Israel-occupied West Bank, supporting militants during Israel's air and ground offensive in Gaza. Arouri, a co-founder of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, had previously expressed anticipation of martyrdom.
Escalation in Gaza and Civilian Casualties
Simultaneously, Israel continued its offensive in Gaza, with the Gaza health ministry reporting 207 casualties within the past 24 hours. The total Palestinian death toll in nearly three months of conflict reached 22,185, creating a dire humanitarian situation with many civilians left destitute and facing famine.
International Calls for Restraint
The United States, a key supporter of Israel, has urged a shift from widespread air and ground attacks to more targeted strikes on Hamas leaders. The international community has raised concerns about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, prompting Israel to announce plans to withdraw some troops while emphasizing an extended timeline for the offensive.
Hamas' Response to Ceasefire Proposal
Preceding Arouri's killing, Hamas' paramount leader, Ismail Haniyeh, confirmed the movement's response to an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal. Haniyeh reiterated Hamas' conditions for a complete cessation of Israel's offensive in exchange for further releases of hostages.
Ongoing Operations in Khan Younis and Gaza's North
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant disclosed that operations in Khan Younis aimed at areas above the tunnel network where Hamas leaders were believed to be hiding. Civilian casualties surged as Israel shifted its offensive to southern Gaza, emphasizing its commitment to eliminate Hamas.
Conclusion:
As the conflict persists, questions remain about Israel's long-term plans for Gaza and the potential impact on the prospect of an independent Palestinian state. The global outcry over the suffering of Gaza civilians has intensified, prompting Israel to reconsider its military approach. The situation remains fluid, with the region bracing for further developments in this volatile geopolitical landscape.
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