BLAST IN BEIRUT KILLS OPERATIVE AT TOP OF HAMAS.

The article reports on the explosion in a suburb of Beirut, Lebanin that killed Saleh al-Arouri, a leader of the militant group Hamas, and two commanders from its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades. It presents claims of officials in Lebanon, the U.S. and Iran ascribing the explosion to Israel. Background information is provided on the role of al-Arouri in the relationships of Hamas with its regional allies and in increasing the group's military capabilities.