In a targeted drone strike, Israel reportedly assassinated Saleh al-Arouri, a senior official in the political leadership of Hamas, in Beirut's southern suburbs.
The strike occurred on Tuesday night and resulted in a significant explosion that destroyed several vehicles in the residential area of Dahiyeh, a stronghold of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
The attack, which claimed the life of Arouri, also took the lives of three other individuals, including two Qassam Brigade commanders, according to statements from both Hamas and Israeli officials.
The targeted strike has intensified the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter being an ally of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Saleh al-Arouri, a founding member of the armed wing of Hamas, was known for his deep involvement in the organization's military affairs.
The Israeli military, in response to queries about the incident, refrained from confirming or denying the reports, stating that it does not respond to foreign media reports.
Dahiyeh, where the explosion occurred, witnessed the aftermath of the strike as social media footage depicted burnt-out wreckage and crowds gathering near the site. The area is not only a residential zone but also home to many members of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah's Manar television station reported the incident, noting that an explosion had taken place near the Hadi Nasrallah highway, close to a road junction. Although details about the explosion remain scarce, a witness suggested that it might have been caused by an Israeli drone striking the second floor of a building in the crowded neighborhood.
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon's southern border have seen periodic air strikes by Israel against Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions. These clashes have unfortunately resulted in civilian casualties, raising concerns about the impact on the local population.
