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Gaza War Extends into Beirut with Killing of Hamas Leader 

Smoke billows from a destroyed building at the site of an explosion in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, 02 January 2024. (EPA)
Smoke billows from a destroyed building at the site of an explosion in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, 02 January 2024. (EPA)
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Gaza War Extends into Beirut with Killing of Hamas Leader 

Smoke billows from a destroyed building at the site of an explosion in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, 02 January 2024. (EPA)
Smoke billows from a destroyed building at the site of an explosion in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, 02 January 2024. (EPA)

Israeli forces intensified their bombing of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday and told civilians to leave a refugee camp in the north of the Palestinian enclave after the war stretched into Lebanon with the killing in Beirut of the Hamas deputy leader. 

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied that it killed Saleh al-Arouri in a drone strike in the Lebanese capital on Tuesday. But military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces were in a high state of readiness and prepared for any scenario. 

The assassination was a further sign that the nearly three-month war between Israel and Hamas was spreading across the region, drawing in the occupied West Bank, Hezbollah forces on the Lebanon-Israel border, and even Red Sea shipping lanes. 

Arouri, 57, who lived in Beirut, was the first senior Hamas political leader to be assassinated since Israel began its offensive against the militant group in response to its deadly rampage into Israeli towns on Oct. 7. 

Hamas politburo member Hossam Badran said in a eulogy for Arouri: "We say to the criminal occupation (Israel) that the battle between us is open." 

Israel had long accused him of orchestrating attacks on its citizens. But a Hamas official said he was also "at the heart of negotiations" conducted by Qatar and Egypt over the outcome of the Gaza war and the release of Hamas-held Israeli hostages. 

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was due to make a speech in Beirut on Wednesday afternoon. Previously he had warned Israel against carrying out assassinations on Lebanese soil, vowing a "severe reaction". 

The heavily armed Iran-backed Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, has been exchanging near-daily fire with Israel across Lebanon's southern border since the Gaza war began. More than 100 Hezbollah fighters and two dozen civilians have been killed on Lebanese territory, as well as at least nine Israeli soldiers in Israel. 

Following Arouri's killing, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon said it was deeply concerned about the possibility of an escalation "that could have devastating consequences for people on both sides of the border". 

Refugee camp under fire 

In Gaza itself, Israeli forces bombed Al-Nusseirat refugee camp in the northern part of the Hamas-ruled enclave overnight and into Wednesday, destroying several multi-floor buildings, residents and Palestinian media said. 

Israeli planes also dropped leaflets on Al-Nusseirat ordering people to leave seven districts. 

"You are in a dangerous combat area. The IDF is operating heavily in your area of residence. For your safety the IDF urge you to immediately evacuate this area and leave towards the known shelters in Deir Al-Balah (west)," the leaflets said. 

Israeli war planes and tanks also stepped up attacks on the Al-Bureij refugee camp. 

Hamas' armed wing said it had killed 10 Israeli soldiers in fighting in Al-Bureij and hit five tanks and troop carriers. The Israeli military said the number of its soldiers killed since its first incursion into Gaza on Oct. 20 had reached 177. 

In the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, health officials said at least four people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a house. They said three people were also killed in an air strike on a house in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip. 

Israel says it tries to avoid harm to civilians. But the total recorded Palestinian death toll has now reached 22,185, according to the Gaza health ministry. 

The war was triggered by a cross-border Hamas assault on Israeli towns on Oct. 7 in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and some 240 hostages taken back to Gaza. 

Since then, Israeli bombardments have laid waste to much of the enclave. Its 2.3 million residents are engulfed in a humanitarian disaster in which thousands have been left destitute, crammed into shrinking areas in the hope they are safe and threatened by famine due to a lack of food supplies. 

'Veins of resistance' 

Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets of Ramallah and other towns in the West Bank to condemn Arouri's killing, chanting, "Revenge, revenge". 

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said Arouri's killing would "ignite another surge in the veins of resistance and the motivation to fight against the Zionist occupiers..." 

Shortly before Arouri's killing, Hamas' paramount leader Ismail Haniyeh, who is also based outside Gaza, said the movement had delivered its response to an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal. 

He reiterated that Hamas' conditions entailed "a complete cessation" of Israel's offensive in exchange for further releases of hostages. 

Israel believes 129 hostages remain in Gaza after some were released during a brief truce in late November and others were killed during air strikes and rescue or escape attempts. 

Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it has wiped out Hamas, but it is unclear what it plans to do with the enclave should it succeed, and where that leaves the prospect of an independent Palestinian state. 

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Arab World

Lebanon's Military Judiciary Begins Legal Proceedings in Hezbollah Explosives Case

A Hezbollah flag hangs at the entrance to the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya in southern Lebanon, from which Israeli troops withdrew under the framework agreement for southern Lebanon. (Reuters)
A Hezbollah flag hangs at the entrance to the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya in southern Lebanon, from which Israeli troops withdrew under the framework agreement for southern Lebanon. (Reuters)
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Lebanon's Military Judiciary Begins Legal Proceedings in Hezbollah Explosives Case

A Hezbollah flag hangs at the entrance to the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya in southern Lebanon, from which Israeli troops withdrew under the framework agreement for southern Lebanon. (Reuters)
A Hezbollah flag hangs at the entrance to the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya in southern Lebanon, from which Israeli troops withdrew under the framework agreement for southern Lebanon. (Reuters)

Two Hezbollah members have been ordered detained after questioning by a Lebanese military judge over a truckload of explosives seized at a checkpoint in eastern Lebanon about a month ago.

Ali al-Kurdi and Haitham Amhaz appeared before First Military Investigating Judge Ghada Abu Alwan, who issued arrest warrants for both men following a hearing attended by their lawyer, Maan al-Asaad.

The warrants stem from charges brought by Judge Claude Ghanem, the government commissioner to the military court, against the two men and 11 other Hezbollah members who remain at large.

The charges include offenses against internal state security, violating government decisions, possessing weapons and explosives, and forming "illegal associations" aimed at undermining the state's authority and prestige.

The explosives-laden truck was intercepted at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint in eastern Lebanon.

Probe Enters New Phase

The questioning marks a turning point in the case, shifting it from preliminary investigations to formal judicial proceedings and bringing sharper scrutiny to three central questions: Where did the explosives come from, where were they headed and who was responsible for transporting them?

Asaad has also been authorized to represent Hezbollah members and operatives who remain at large, including Ibrahim Hussein, known as "Sajed"; Bilal al-Sabbouri, known as "Dhul Fiqar"; Mohammed Ayoub; Mohammed Zaiter; Mohammed Hazimeh, the truck's owner; and Perina Krishiona, Amhaz's wife.

Five other suspects have been identified only by aliases, with their full identities still unknown. Asaad filed preliminary procedural objections on behalf of the fugitives.

Despite the strict secrecy surrounding the questioning, a judicial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Kurdi and Amhaz stood by their initial statements to army intelligence, insisting they knew neither the explosives' destination nor their intended use.

The source said the men told Abu Alwan their role was limited to collecting the explosives from "Sajed" in Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley, and delivering them to "Dhul Fiqar" in Musharrafieh, in Beirut's southern suburbs.

Key Questions Remain Unanswered

The detainees' denials leave critical questions unresolved, particularly the shipment's destination, the circumstances of its transportation and the purpose for which the explosives were intended.

Legal sources following the case said the men's claims of ignorance were not enough to settle the question of responsibility.

"The statements of Kurdi and Amhaz are now being assessed by the investigating judge against all the evidence and information in the case file," the sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

One potentially significant piece of evidence has yet to reach the judge.

Abu Alwan is still awaiting records of the preliminary investigation conducted by the Internal Security Forces' Information Branch, which analyzed mobile phones belonging to Kurdi, Amhaz and his wife.

The phones are expected to contain important information, the sources said, raising the possibility that Abu Alwan could summon the two detainees for further questioning about material recovered from the devices.

Legal Challenge Delays Questioning of Fugitives

Meanwhile, Asaad filed preliminary procedural objections on behalf of the defendants who remain at large, delaying their questioning until Nov. 17.

Legal sources said the filing was intended to delay formally notifying the defendants and the issuance of arrest warrants in absentia if they refuse to appear for questioning, as expected.

Details of the objections and their legal grounds were not immediately available.

Abu Alwan referred the filing to Ghanem for review and an opinion before ruling on the objections.

Arab World

Iraq Rejects Use of its Territories to Attack Neighbors

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a visit to the Defense Industries Commission in Baghdad on Thursday. (Government media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a visit to the Defense Industries Commission in Baghdad on Thursday. (Government media)
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Iraq Rejects Use of its Territories to Attack Neighbors

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a visit to the Defense Industries Commission in Baghdad on Thursday. (Government media)
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a visit to the Defense Industries Commission in Baghdad on Thursday. (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump discussed regional developments during a phone call on Thursday, with Baghdad stressing that its territory must not be used to launch attacks against neighboring states.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, al-Zaidi reiterated Iraq’s firm stance calling for the strict respect of state sovereignty. He further stressed that Iraqi territory must not serve as a launchpad for aggression against neighboring countries.

The PM underscored the vital importance of ongoing consultations between Baghdad and Washington on issues of mutual interest. He said that adopting peaceful solutions and engaging in constructive dialogue are necessary measures to maintain regional security.

Both leaders affirmed the importance of working together to confront current challenges. The statement noted that these efforts aim to support regional stability by prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue.

Military deployment

Also on Thursday, Iraq's Defense Ministry announced that it had reinforced its military deployment along a defensive line in the country's west, as the prime minister stressed the need to expand domestic arms production.

Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Yahya Rasool Abdullah said in a statement that troops from the Jazira and West Nineveh Operations Commands had begun strengthening their deployment along the Rawa-Hatra defensive line to maintain security and stability in the Jazira region north of the Euphrates River and toward the provinces of Nineveh and Salahuddin.

The deployment aims to secure desert areas, pursue remaining militant elements and prevent them from using the desert as a haven, he said.

It also seeks to provide a shorter route for civilian travel and commercial transport, helping support investment and agricultural activities.

Rasool said army units would continue securing desert areas within their respective operational sectors to maintain security and stability across the country.

Meanwhile, PM and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali al-Zaidi visited the Defense Industries Commission on Thursday to inspect military equipment that the authority said it had successfully manufactured or developed.

The equipment included various types of ammunition, light, medium and heavy weapons, drone systems, and surveillance and monitoring devices.

According to a statement from his media office, al-Zaidi underlined his support for developing Iraq's domestic defense industry and directed officials to involve the private sector and expand partnerships with specialized companies.

He stressed that Iraq had the capacity to manufacture the weapons and equipment it needs using domestic expertise and labor.

Al-Zaidi described the development of an advanced defense industry as a cornerstone of national sovereignty that would strengthen Iraq's ability to protect its security and interests.

He also underscored the importance of investing in research and development and keeping pace with rapid technological advances in military manufacturing.

Al-Zaidi praised the authority's progress and its capabilities and expertise, which he said positioned it to become an advanced industrial base.

He directed officials to provide the resources and support needed to expand its production and technological capabilities, with the aim of meeting the armed forces' requirements for weapons and military equipment while reducing reliance on foreign supplies.

The Defense Industries Commission, which reports to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was recently established to rebuild Iraq's defense industrial base and meet the needs of the armed forces and security agencies.

Iraq's military manufacturing industry, however, dates back to the 1970s and expanded significantly during the 1980s war with Iran.

Much of its arsenal and industrial infrastructure was subsequently devastated during the 1991 Gulf War and by international sanctions imposed throughout the 1990s.

Arab World

Lebanon's President: We Will Not Allow Anyone to Share Our Sovereignty

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives the second volume of a book on Lebanon and Lebanese neutrality (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives the second volume of a book on Lebanon and Lebanese neutrality (Lebanese Presidency)
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Lebanon's President: We Will Not Allow Anyone to Share Our Sovereignty

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives the second volume of a book on Lebanon and Lebanese neutrality (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives the second volume of a book on Lebanon and Lebanese neutrality (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed that no one would be allowed to share the state's sovereign authority, warning that Lebanon must not again pay the price for past mistakes.

His remarks came as five countries calling themselves the "Friends of Lebanon" renewed their support for Lebanese sovereignty and urged lawmakers and political parties to publicly affirm that the state alone has the right to decide on war and peace.

Lebanese authorities have pledged to bring all weapons under state control and reserve decisions on war and peace exclusively for the state. Hezbollah, however, rejects those decisions and insists on keeping its arms.

"Lebanon is an independent and sovereign state," Aoun said on Thursday. "We will not allow anyone to share our sovereignty, so that we do not once again pay the price for the mistakes of the past."

He urged those who seek foreign support against their fellow citizens to instead stand with their own people against outside powers.

Aoun called "positive neutrality" essential to shielding Lebanon from regional conflicts, saying the country had endured enough and could no longer bear the weight of rival blocs, foreign ambitions and attempts at domination.

He urged Lebanon's younger generation to recognize their country's value through education rooted in citizenship and openness to other cultures and civilizations, rather than isolation and dependence.

Protecting Lebanon from foreign ambitions and strengthening national unity were vital to safeguarding the country as rapid military and political developments plunged the region into uncertainty, he said.

International allies back Lebanon's decisions

Lebanon's pledges drew renewed international backing from the "Friends of Lebanon", who reaffirmed their support for the country's sovereignty and the state's exclusive control over weapons.

In a statement circulated by the US Embassy in Beirut, the embassies of Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan voiced strong support for the Lebanese government's efforts to ensure that only the state holds weapons and decides on war and peace.

"As friends of Lebanon, we reaffirm our strong support for the government of Lebanon in ensuring that weapons are held exclusively by the state and that the state alone has the authority to decide on matters of war and peace," the embassies said.

The five embassies also acknowledged steps taken by Lebanese authorities in the Dahr al-Baidar case, urging a swift, independent judicial process free from political interference to ensure full accountability.

They called on all members of parliament and political parties to make a clear, public commitment endorsing statements by the president and prime minister that the Lebanese state alone has the right to decide on war and peace.

The embassies reiterated their determination to see Lebanon fully restore effective sovereign authority across its entire territory.

Hezbollah defends seized explosives, attacks Israel talks

Hezbollah, meanwhile, defended a shipment of explosives seized by security forces last month in the Dahr al-Baidar area of eastern Lebanon.

The group's parliamentary bloc, Loyalty to the Resistance, called for an end to political accusations and media disputes, urging space for what it described as prudent national efforts to address the issue.

In a statement, the bloc condemned political positions it said denied the Lebanese people's "sacred right" to defend their country and resist the enemy, accusing those behind them of disregarding the constitution and established national legal principles.

The bloc also renewed its attack on the Lebanese government's approach to negotiations with Israel, demanding that authorities reverse course.

It accused Israel of continuing to destroy, burn and demolish villages and property in southern Lebanon while threatening to expand its attacks and occupy more Lebanese territory.

The bloc also pointed to mounting threats of an escalation in the war, including strikes and assassinations targeting Hezbollah and its leaders.

Yet Lebanese authorities remained indifferent, it said, accusing them of pursuing a "disastrous" policy of direct negotiations over the provisions of what it called an "ill-fated framework".

The bloc said the framework had brought Lebanon nothing but further calamities, devastation and destruction.