Tension Rises as Hamas Leader Saleh al-Arouri Killed, Details Emerge

• Hamas deputy leader Saleh Al-Arouri has been killed in a drone strike that hit the group’s office in Southern Beirut, Lebanon
• Legit.ng learnt that Hamas office was the target of the attack in southern Beirut, which also claimed the lives of at least three others
• Israel has continued its attack on Gaza since October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked Israel, causing about 1,200 deaths

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9-year-experience covering public journalism and global news

Beirut, Lebanon - An explosion hit southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday, January 2, destroying several cars and killing Hamas deputy leader, Saleh al-Arouri.

As reported by Al Jazeera on Tuesday evening, January 2, al-Arouri, 57, was among those who died in the attack in south Beirut.

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Reacting, Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the attack, DW noted.

Mikati's office said that this "new Israeli crime" was intended "to draw Lebanon into a new phase of confrontations" with Israel.

Mark Regev, an Israeli spokesman, confirmed the development, according to the BBC.

Regev stopped short of confirming Israel carried out the assassination, but told MSNBC:

"Whoever did it, it must be clear that this was not an attack on the Lebanese state. It was not an attack even on Hezbollah, the terrorist organisation.

"Whoever did this did a surgical strike against the Hamas leadership. Whoever did this has a gripe with Hamas. That is very clear."

An armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been taking place chiefly in and around the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, with clashes also taking place in the West Bank and Israel–Lebanon border.

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Watch the video of the moment al-Arouri was killed below:

Israel, Hamas agree to 4-day truce

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Israel and Hamas agreed on a deal for a four-day truce in Gaza following an intervention by Qatar.

The deal also includes the release of 50 women and children held in the Gaza Strip.

Group alleges illegal occupation by Israel

Legit.ng also reported that the Muslim Awareness International (MAI) demanded an immediate end to the killings in Palestine.

The group asked the international community to take decisive action to “protect the lives and dignity of the Palestinian people”.

Nigerians donate to help Palestinians

Meanwhile, the Imam of the Sultan Bello mosque in Kaduna, Muhammed Suleiman, said N17,959,806 was gathered for humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.

Suleiman said the donations were made following an appeal by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, to help the Palestinians affected by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Source: Legit.ng