TheCable

Fears of an escalating tension in the Middle East are swelling after Saleh al-Arouri, deputy head of the political bureau of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, was killed by a drone strike in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital.

According to NNA, state media, the explosion which happened on Tuesday killed three persons and was targeting a Hamas office.

Two other Hamas leaders were among the casualties while several others were injured, NNA added.

Arouri was considered one of the founding members of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, and was based in Beirut.

Although Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, there are concerns that the incident could worsen the already fractured relationship with Lebanon and risks extending the war with Hamas to other parts of the region.

Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah leader, blamed Israel for the attack and offered condolences to Hamas.

Hezbollah is a key ally of both Iran and Hamas, and is the most powerful military in Lebanon.

The group has been marked as a terrorist organisation by the Arab League, the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Najib Mikati, Lebanese prime minister, condemned the attack and said the “explosion is a new Israeli crime” aimed at drawing Lebanon into a new phase of confrontation.

Amid the growing tensions, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said further escalation could have “devastating consequences”.

“We continue to implore all parties cease their fire, and any interlocutors with influence to urge restraint,” Kandice Ardiel, UNIFIL deputy spokesperson, said.

The development comes as Israel says it is entering a new phase of fighting with Hamas, ignoring growing calls for a ceasefire.