GAZA CITY, GAZA - JULY 20: Palestinian Hamas militants are seen during a military show in the Bani Suheila district on July 20, 2017 in Gaza City, Gaza. For the past ten years Gaza residents have lived with constant power shortages, in recent years these cuts have worsened, with supply of regular power limited to four hours a day. On June 11, 2017 Israel announced a new round of cuts at the request of the Palestinian authorities and the decision was seen as an attempt by President Mahmoud Abbas to pressure Gaza's Hamas leadership. Prior to the new cuts Gaza received 150 megawatts per day, far below it's requirements of 450 megawatts. In April, Gaza's sole power station which supplied 60 megawatts shut down, after running out of fuel, the three lines from Egypt, which provided 27 megawatts are rarely operational, leaving Gaza reliant on the 125 megawatts supplied by Israel's power plant. The new cuts now restrict electricity to three hours a day severely effecting hospital patients with chronic conditions and babies on life support. During blackout hours residents use private generators, solar panels and battery operated light sources to live. June 2017 also marked ten years since Israel began a land, sea and air blockade over Gaza. Under the blockade, movement of people and goods is restricted and exports and imports of raw materials have been banned. The restrictions have virtually cut off access for Gaza's two million residents to the outside world and unemployment rates have skyrocketed forcing many people into poverty and leaving approximately 80% of the population dependent on humanitarian aid. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
In a shocking turn of events, the Israel-Hamas conflict has taken a dangerous and lethal twist with the reported assassination of Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas, in a blast in Beirut. The incident also claimed the lives of two leaders from the group’s armed wing, raising tensions in the already volatile region.
Hamas swiftly confirmed the death of al-Arouri, pointing fingers at Israel for orchestrating the deadly strike. Two U.S. officials also asserted Israel’s responsibility for the targeted attack, fueling concerns about the potential repercussions on an international scale.
Israel, however, vehemently denied that the assassination was an attack on Lebanon. Mark Regev, an Israeli spokesman, described the strike as a “surgical” one specifically targeting the Hamas leadership. Regev emphasized that the operation was not directed at Lebanon or Hezbollah, asserting that whoever carried it out had grievances with Hamas.
The 57-year-old Saleh al-Arouri was a key figure in the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, and had been serving as a crucial link between Hamas and Hezbollah while in Lebanon. The drone strike reportedly took place in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, known as a Hezbollah stronghold.
The aftermath of the attack has seen condemnations from various quarters, with Hamas denouncing the incident and Hezbollah considering it an assault on Lebanon’s sovereignty. Lebanon’s Prime Minister accused Israel of attempting to draw the country into a larger confrontation.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, and Iran, a significant supporter of both Hamas and Hezbollah, warned that the killing of al-Arouri would likely inflame tensions and spark renewed resistance.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential escalation of hostilities in the region. The geopolitical ramifications are significant, given the historical context of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the delicate balance in the Middle East. As the situation unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, anticipating the possible consequences of this targeted assassination on an already fragile peace.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, has defended the suspension…
The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has harshly criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend…
The Anunnaki are a group of deities found in the mythologies of the ancient Sumerians,…
In a decisive move on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has suspended…
As a retired military officer, I have witnessed many scenes of tension and unrest, but…
Former Tamale Central MP, Inusah Fuseini, has issued an unreserved apology to the Nayiri, the…
This website uses cookies.