Hamas Official Saleh Al-Arouri Killed in Israeli Drone Strike
One of Hamas’ top officials, Saleh Al-Arouri, was killed on Tuesday night in a targeted drone strike on the group’s offices in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Al-Arouri, who served as deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, was a prominent figure on Israel’s hit list and the highest-ranking member of the group to have been killed thus far.
Al-Arouri held various significant positions within Hamas, including being the deputy to Ismail Haniyeh since 2017 and a founding commander of the group’s military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. He was also on the US Treasury’s sanctions list for allegedly financing Hamas and facilitating weapon transfers since the group’s formation in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising against Israel. The US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
The timing of Al-Arouri’s death is noteworthy, as it coincides with Iran’s commemoration of the anniversary of losing its top general, Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.
Al-Arouri had been a member of Hamas’ Politburo since 2010 but gained prominence in August 2014 when he claimed responsibility for the abduction and killing of three Israeli teenagers from a West Bank settlement during a conference in Turkiye. Israel and the US also believe that he played a role in funding and training the Hamas fighters responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of 240 individuals.
In response to the attack, Israel launched a military campaign against the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 22,000 Palestinians. This campaign has been ongoing, causing significant devastation and loss of life in the region.
Al-Arouri’s family home in the West Bank town of Aroura was demolished by the Israeli army in October. The demolition order was signed by Yehuda Fox, head of the Israel Defense Force Central Command.
The killing of Saleh Al-Arouri is a significant blow to Hamas and a major victory for Israel. Al-Arouri was not only a high-ranking official within the group but also played a crucial role in its military operations and financing. His death marks a significant setback for Hamas and may disrupt its activities in the region.
The timing of the drone strike, just before the anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. It is unclear whether this was a deliberate move by Israel to send a message to Iran or simply a coincidence. However, it is likely to have broader implications for regional dynamics and tensions between Israel and Iran.
The killing of Saleh Al-Arouri highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the complex web of relationships and rivalries in the region. It also underscores the use of targeted drone strikes as a preferred method of eliminating high-value targets in modern warfare.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Hamas will respond to the loss of one of its key leaders and whether this will escalate tensions further in the already volatile region.