Israeli drone strike in Beirut suburb claims life of top Hamas leader

Saleh al-Arouri, a notable leader of Palestinian Hamas, was killed in an attack carried out on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. The Israeli army conducted this attack with a drone on a Hamas office located in the suburbs of Beirut, Lebanese capital, as reported by the Reuters agency citing the Lebanese media.

Based on the available information, the blast also claimed the lives of three other people.

Saleh al-Arouri held a significant position within Hamas’ political structure and was heavily involved in military affairs, as informed by Reuters. His death has been independently confirmed to Reuters by three different sources from security forces, each wishing to remain anonymous.

The Hezbollah-owned television station, Manar, reported to Reuters about an explosion heard near the Hadi Nasrallah highway, adjacent to a crucial junction.

While no specifics about the explosion were offered, it was underscored that the blast happened on the eve of an important speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah scheduled for Wednesday.

Reuters took the occasion to remind that Hezbollah has been a routine ally of Hamas, and an almost daily exchange of fire has been taking place since the onset of their conflict with Israel.

The Israeli military has thus far not confirmed the reports and has not responded to Reuters' queries, stating that it does not comment on reports from foreign media.