Hezbollah Vows Revenge for Killing of Hamas Leader

Hezbollah’s leader, Hasan Nasrallah, has declared that the death of Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas’s deputy leader, “will not go unpunished.” Arouri was killed in a drone attack in Beirut, although Israel has not confirmed responsibility. Nasrallah described the killing as a “major, dangerous crime” and warned that if Israel initiates war with Lebanon, Hezbollah’s response will have “no ceilings, no rules.” The leader emphasized that Hezbollah is not afraid of war and stated that those who engage in war with them will regret it. This incident marks the first attack in Beirut after months of clashes between Hezbollah and Israel along Lebanon’s southern border. The United Nations, Lebanon’s foreign minister, and the US have expressed concerns about the potential escalation of violence and have called for restraint from all parties involved. The killing of Arouri has also sparked fears of the conflict spreading beyond Gaza, with Hamas reportedly suspending talks over the possible release of Israeli hostages. The fighting in Gaza continues, with casualties reported, including the death of a five-day-old baby. Israel has warned residents in certain areas of Gaza to evacuate, designating them as “combat zones.” The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims that over 22,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory campaign. As tensions escalate, it is crucial for international stakeholders to work towards de-escalation and find a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and humanitarian disaster.