Israeli Strike Killing Hamas Leader Stirs Fears of Regional Conflict

The Israeli army has stated it is “prepared for any scenario” following a strike in Beirut that killed Hamas’s deputy chief, sparking concerns that the conflict in the Gaza Strip might escalate into a broader regional conflict.

According to AFP, a high-level security official in Lebanon said that Saleh al-Aruri, along with his bodyguards, was killed in an Israeli strike. This event comes after Israel pledged to dismantle Hamas in response to the movement’s surprising attacks on October 7.

Despite previous deaths of Hamas commanders and officials in Gaza, Aruri’s assassination stands out as the most prominent figure killed. It is also the first strike on the Lebanese capital since the hostilities began.

The strike’s repercussions have raised widespread apprehensions about the three-month-old Israel-Hamas war evolving into a larger regional clash. While Hamas assured that Aruri’s death wouldn’t lead to their defeat, its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon vowed retaliation, denouncing the event as “a serious assault” on Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the killing, asserting it aims to draw Lebanon further into the conflict. Aruri, living in exile, faced accusations from Israel of orchestrating multiple attacks.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh proclaimed that a movement “whose leaders sacrifice for our people’s dignity and nation’s honour will never be defeated”.

The October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel resulted in around 1,140 deaths, mainly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli records.

Additionally, militants took around 250 hostages to Gaza, of which 129 remain in captivity as per Israeli data.

Israel initiated a relentless bombardment and ground offensive after the attack, causing at least 22,185 casualties, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The Israeli army reported that in Gaza, soldiers killed “dozens of terrorists” on Tuesday and raided a weapons storage compound in Khan Yunis. The strikes overnight into Wednesday in Khan Yunis resulted in “numerous” deaths as per the Hamas health ministry.

United Nations agencies have expressed alarm over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, affecting 2.4 million besieged individuals, most of whom are displaced, crowded into shelters, and facing winter rains.

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian protests erupted against Aruri’s assassination. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh condemned the killing and warned of potential risks and consequences.

France urged Israel to exercise restraint in Lebanon, emphasising a need to avoid escalation. Additionally, the UN Security Council plans to discuss the Huthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, as announced by the French mission to the UN.