US speaks out on Saleh al-Aruri's death: “Israel has the right to persecute Hamas leaders”

White House Defense Spokesman John Kirby He avoided saying this Wednesday Israel should be held responsible for the attack on Beirut (Lebanon) who killed the “Number Two” of the Hamas terrorist group, I went out to AruriBut it defended the Israeli government's right to persecute Palestinian militant leaders.

“I am not confirming that the Israelis did it Air attack. I recommend them to discuss you military operations. (…) Israel has the right and responsibility to pursue the threat posed by Hamas, which means it has the right and responsibility to go after its leaders,” Kirby said during a press conference.

When questioned about U.S. estimates of casualties among Palestinian militants, a U.S. spokesman declined to give a number, saying there was still a “significant force.” Gaza Strip. Besides, He stressed that military action would not eliminate “ideology” but rather “threat”.

“We don't believe it Military attacks Only an ideology is going to be eradicated. And they're not going to get rid of every Hamas fighter. So you have to accept the fact that even after the military operation is over, there may still be some Hamas,” Kirby said.

“All they can do is eliminate the threat that Hamas represents Israeli people. They can do that by following your lead, attacking your infrastructure, and monitoring your resources. We have proven it Islamic State And Al Qaeda (…) They are still there, but nowhere near the threats they once posed,” he added.

including at least seven terrorists Al Aroori, One later died and several others were injured Drone attack About some Hamas offices in Mushrifiya, on the southern outskirts of the Lebanese capital. The leader of the political wing of the militants, Ismail Haniyeh, He assured that the blast was an “act of terror” that made the group “stronger and more determined than ever”.

Al Aroori lived Lebanon Since 2018, and in 2010 he was released after spending twelve years in Israeli prisons. Considered the 'Number Two' of Hamas' political wing and one of the commanders Al Qassam BrigadesHe was responsible for several attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory and was identified as one of the key intermediaries in the release of hostages captured on October 7.

For his part, the US Secretary of State, Anthony eye blinkingThis Jupiter will begin its fourth critical journey Middle EastA senior official said on Wednesday that the war between Israel and Hamas is on the rise amid growing fears of a regional escalation.

The US diplomatic chief will depart from there Washington On a trip that includes Israel this Thursday night, he said AFP A US official spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official did not provide further details, but on previous trips eye blinking He has also visited many Arab countries.

It was the diplomat's fourth trip to the region and fifth to Israel — not counting his trip with President Joe Biden — since Hamas terrorists launched the bloody attack. October 7 In southern Israel, this created a massive backlash.

(With information from Europa Press and AFP)