Killing of Hamas deputy leader raises risk of Gaza war spreading

The killing of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri by an Israeli drone strike in Lebanon's capital Beirut has raised the potential risk of the war in Gaza spreading well beyond the Palestinian enclave.

Arouri, 57, was the first senior Hamas political leader to be assassinated since Israel launched a shattering air and ground offensive against the group almost three months ago after its shock assault and rampage into Israeli towns.

Israel has long accused Arouri of lethal 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.

Israel neither confirmed nor denied carrying out the killing, but its military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces were in a high state of readiness and prepared for any scenario.

Since the war broke out on October 7, that killed 1,200 people, more than 22,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza.

Israel has vowed to keep fighting until it has wiped out Hamas and secures the release of its hostages.