Hamas Deputy Leader Killed in Israeli Army Strike: What We Know

The Palestinian Hamas movement has informed mediators that it has ceased negotiations with Israel regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages due to the death of its Deputy Political Bureau Chief Saleh al-Arouri as a result of an attack by an Israeli drone in Lebanon. This was reported by Al-Arabiya television, citing sources.

According to the channel's interlocutors, al-Arouri had been in contact with mediators in recent days to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages. Sources indicated that he had intended to travel next week for negotiations with the mediators.

The interlocutors assert that mediators are currently working to prevent further escalation following the assassination of Hamas's Deputy Political Bureau Chief. It is believed that Israel has informed the mediators that it will 'not cease killings' and has rejected halting them in exchange for a ceasefire, according to Al-Arabiya sources.

On the evening of January 2, Reuters and Lebanese media reported that an Israeli drone struck a Hamas office in Beirut. The Palestinian movement later confirmed that the attack resulted in the killing of Hamas Deputy Political Bureau Chief Saleh al-Arouri.

According to Al-Monitor, the Palestinian Hamas movement also confirmed the deaths of two commanders of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades due to the January 2 strike, although their names were not disclosed.