Strikes in Beirut, Lebanon have killed the leader of Hamas. While this is an ongoing story, Lebanon is accusing Israel of the attack, though this is yet to be confirmed. All eyes are on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Israeli leader didn’t claim responsibility but did mention a “surgical” attack on Hamas rather than a strike against Lebanon. Saleh al-Arouri, who was the political leader of Hamas, and six others were killed after a drone strike. Fears are now rising that the Israeli-Hamas war can quickly spill over farther than Palestine. This is a developing story. Suggested read: The Last Surviving Merrill’s Marauders Member Has Passed

Who Is the Leader of Hamas?

Saleh al-Arouri was killed in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut. He was the leader of Hamas; however, several other leaders still persist. This includes Yahya Sinwar, who leads Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Mohammed Deif, the organization’s military commander, and Marwan Issa, the deputy military commander. Related read: Alwyn Cashe Earned MOH By Sacrificing Himself to Save Others

Why the Death of Saleh al-Arouri Matters

The politics of any country or region can often be complex. However, it’s hard to find a more extreme case than in the Middle East. This is why the death of the leader of Hamas is possibly a signal for additional dominos to fall. It is also an important break in the connection between both legitimate and terrorist organizations. Hamas having ties in Lebanon is important for the group. Similarly in Lebanon, Hezbollah is another political party with strong, if not complete, ties to terrorism. One of these connections would be Hamas itself. Additionally, the death of al-Arouri is also damaging to Hamas’ connection to Iran. A nation that has a strong track record of backing terrorist groups, and a disdain for Israel and America. Those who knew Saleh al-Arouri knew him to be a charismatic leader of Hamas. He was not only effective in leading people but also making important strategic connections. It was well-known that Selah al-Arouri wasn’t everything to Hamas but arguably the most important piece for gaining support in Iran. The Iranian government has been financing the operations of Hamas and has even gone as far as to help with active military operations inside a war room with al-Arouri. With the breaking of the tie, tempers are rising from Hamas supporters. On the American side of things, tensions can mean more targets for U.S. military installations and commercial ships in the region. It also means additional political tension with Türkiye, also known as Turkey, which is an important NATO ally calling for the U.S. to influence Israel to end the war.

Death to the Leader of Hamas Is Sure to Cause Retaliation

From Hezbollah vowing to strike to ongoing fighting in Palestine to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, all signs point to more warfare in the Middle East. This prospect was likely always on the table but its evolution is concerning. Tensions have risen in other nations and regions, including Iraq and the Red Sea, ever since the war broke out. Such a devastating blow inside of Lebanon of all places is now opening the door to expanding warfare farther and wider than before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2oUy8yKkaQ Ongoing protests and concerns continue in response to the attacks throughout the West Bank. Again, while these developments are new at the time of this writing, widespread protesting is another concern for many following the death of the leader of Hamas. No one group of people or even political party, should be lumped together with terrorism. Yet, when you look closer, there are several groups interwoven among Middle Eastern nations. In other words, this could get ugly quickly depending on the next moves.

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