Mourners Gather for Funeral of Senior Hamas Leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut
In a somber gathering, mourners from across the region came together in Beirut to pay their respects to Saleh al-Arouri, a senior leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Al-Arouri, who was known for his role in orchestrating attacks against Israel, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 55.
The funeral procession began at a mosque in the southern suburbs of Beirut, where al-Arouri had been living in exile for several years. Thousands of mourners filled the streets, waving Hamas flags and chanting slogans in support of the Palestinian cause.
Al-Arouri was a prominent figure within Hamas, serving as the deputy leader of the group’s political bureau. He played a key role in shaping Hamas’ military strategy and was widely regarded as one of the organization’s most influential leaders.
Born in the West Bank city of Hebron, al-Arouri became involved in Palestinian resistance activities at a young age. He was arrested by Israeli forces multiple times and spent several years in prison before eventually being expelled to Lebanon in 2010.
During his time in exile, al-Arouri continued to play a crucial role in Hamas’ operations. He was believed to be responsible for planning and funding numerous attacks against Israeli targets, including the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in 2014, which sparked a major escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas.
Despite his involvement in militant activities, al-Arouri was also seen as a key figure in Hamas’ efforts to achieve a long-term ceasefire with Israel. He was involved in negotiations with Egyptian mediators and played a central role in brokering several temporary truces between the two sides.
The funeral drew mourners from across the region, reflecting the widespread support for Hamas among Palestinians and other Arab populations. Many mourners expressed their admiration for al-Arouri’s dedication to the Palestinian cause and his unwavering commitment to resistance against Israeli occupation.
However, the funeral also highlighted the deep divisions within the Palestinian political landscape. While Hamas enjoys significant support among Palestinians, it is also viewed with suspicion by some who see its armed resistance as counterproductive to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The presence of senior Hezbollah officials at the funeral further underscored the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region. Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group and political party, has been a key ally of Hamas in its struggle against Israel. Both groups share a common enemy in Israel and have cooperated on various military and political fronts.
The passing of al-Arouri leaves a significant void within Hamas’ leadership, and his death comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The recent escalation of violence in Jerusalem and the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza have once again brought the long-standing conflict to the forefront of international attention.
As mourners bid farewell to Saleh al-Arouri, his legacy as a dedicated leader and committed fighter for Palestinian rights will undoubtedly live on. However, his death also serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Palestinians in their quest for self-determination and an end to the Israeli occupation. Only time will tell how his absence will impact the future trajectory of Hamas and the broader Palestinian struggle.