What is happening:

Beirut witnessed a large funeral procession for slain Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri, killed in an airstrike attributed to Israel. The event became a rallying point for demands of revenge against Israel.

Why it matters:

This high-profile assassination and the public calls for retaliation mark an escalation in tensions between Israel and its adversaries, primarily Hamas and Hezbollah. The response to al-Arouri’s killing could further ignite a region already strained by ongoing conflict.

The details:

Mourners, draped in Palestinian and Hamas flags, filled Beirut’s streets to bid farewell to Saleh al-Arouri and two other Hamas members killed in the alleged Israeli strike. The coffins were paraded from a mosque to the Palestine Martyrs Cemetery in the Shatila refugee camp, resting alongside other Palestinians killed by Israel over decades. Al-Arouri’s services to the organization were symbolically honored by placing his automatic rifle on the coffin, and the crowd chanted for Hamas to bomb Tel Aviv in retaliation.

Background:

Al-Arouri, a key figure in Hamas, had long been targeted by Israel and was considered responsible for orchestrating attacks from the West Bank. Notably, the US had previously designated him as a global terrorist, offering a bounty for information leading to his capture or neutralization.

Regional Impact:

The incident has increased tensions in the region, with both Hezbollah and Hamas indicating that retribution is imminent. Continued exchanges of fire and the threat of an all-out warfare are significant causes for concern, not only for Israel but for overall regional stability.

International Responses:

While Israel has not formally taken responsibility for the airstrike, a US defense official confirmed Israel’s involvement. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, under the leadership of Hassan Nasrallah, has intensified its defiant rhetoric, hinting at a powerful and unrestrained response should Israel initiate further hostilities in Lebanon.

Looking Ahead:

The aftermath of al-Arouri’s assassination and the fiery narrative emerging from the funeral procession suggest that the cycle of strike and counterstrike may escalate further. This poses a test to the region’s precarious balance and to international diplomatic efforts seeking to contain such conflicts.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.