Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hamas Figure In Beirut

BEIRUT (AP) — An apparent Israeli strike in the Lebanese capital of Beirut has killed Hamas’ No. 2 political leader, marking a potentially significant escalation of Israel’s war against the militant group and heightening the risk of a wider Middle East conflict. Saleh Arouri was the most senior figure in the group killed since the Israel-Hamas war began nearly three months ago. His killing risks provoking major retaliation from Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah militia. Hezbollah and the Israeli military have been exchanging fire almost daily over the Israeli-Lebanese border since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began. So far, the Lebanese group has appeared reluctant to dramatically escalate the fighting.