Saleh al-Arouri, a prominent leader of the Hamas militant group met his demise in a drone strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh by marking a significant event in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, have a look at his net worth and family
At the age of 57, Saleh al-Arouri held a pivotal role within Hamas, leading both its political and military wings. His life was marred by conflict, controversy, and a series of high-profile events.
Who is Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri killed by Israel in Lebanon, net worth, family, wife, bio, age
57-year-old Saleh al-Arouri was born on 19 August 1966. He attended the Hebron University. Details about Saleh’s family members remain unknown.
In October 2023, Al-Arouri’s family home in the West Bank town of Aroura, near Ramallah, was demolished by the Israeli army and the demolition order was signed by Yehuda Fox, head of the Israel Defense Force Central Command.
As well as being deputy to Ismail Haniyeh since 2017, he was a founding commander of Hamas’ military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
He had been living in exile in Lebanon after spending 15 years in an Israeli prison. Before the war began on October 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had threatened to kill him and the US had declared him a terrorist back in 2015.
BREAKING:
Israel uses a drone to wipe out senior Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri and a number of aides as they were meeting with Hezbollah officials in Beirut, Lebanon.
Hamas can’t run, they can’t hide.
Israel has promised to strike them wherever they are pic.twitter.com/ZiWUqF7cN2
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 2, 2024
🚨BREAKING: Terrorists in Tubas, which is situated in Judea and Samaria, Israel, declare their commitment to the “path of liberation,”vowing revenge for Hamas Vice Chairman, Saleh Al-Arouri assassination
They yell that they are prepared for martyrdom. pic.twitter.com/UEwGmBjT8D
— Nioh Berg ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) January 3, 2024
Saleh al-Aruri’s journey involved years of turbulence, including spending 15 years in an Israeli jail. Notably, he played a crucial role in establishing the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. His involvement extended beyond regional borders, as he resided in exile in Lebanon, maintaining strong ties with Iran and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
The United States designated al-Aruri as a global terrorist, offering a substantial $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. This designation reflected international concerns over his role within Hamas and its potential implications for regional stability. His presence on Israel’s hit-list further emphasized the gravity of his actions from the perspective of those opposing Hamas.
Al-Aruri’s involvement in negotiations took a prominent turn in 2011 when he played a key role in securing the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. This event showcased his diplomatic influence and demonstrated his significance in shaping the dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In 2014, al-Aruri announced Hamas’s responsibility for the killing of three Israeli teenagers from a West Bank settlement, a revelation that heightened tensions in the region. Both Israel and the U.S. accused him of training Hamas militants and funding attacks, including the October 7 incidents, which claimed over 1,100 lives and involved the taking of hostages.
Saleh al-Aruri’s death
The death of Saleh al-Aruri in the recent Israeli strike raises questions about the potential repercussions on the Israel-Hamas war. The conflict has a history of rapid escalation, and al-Aruri’s demise could further intensify hostilities. The retaliation from Israel, including a siege on the Gaza Strip, has historically resulted in a tragic toll on civilian lives, with a disproportionate impact on women and children.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, recognizing the potential involvement of the nation in the conflict, condemned al-Aruri’s killing as a new war crime. International leaders, including French President Macron, have echoed concerns, urging all parties to avoid further escalation. The fear is not only centered on the direct consequences within the Israel-Hamas conflict but also on the broader implications for regional stability.
Saleh al-Aruri’s net worth
While his net worth isn’t known, the US had offered a reward of $5 million for his arrest.