UN voices concern over possible escalation after assassination of Hamas figure in Beirut

By Wassim Saifuldine

BEIRUT (AA) - The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon voiced deep concern over possible escalation of hostilities after the assassination of Hamas' deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri in Lebanese capital Beirut Tuesday evening.

The escalation could lead to "devastating consequences" for people on both sides of the Blue Line, Kandice Ardiel, deputy spokesperson of UNFIL, told Lebanon's official news agency NNA on Wednesday.

Blue Line is a concrete wall set by the UN in 2000 for the purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south of Lebanon.

"We continue to urge all parties to cease firing, and we also appeal to any relevant influential actors to encourage restraint," she added.

Arouri was killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Beirut, according to Hamas and Lebanese media. Israel has not officially claimed responsibility.

Amid fears of escalation, border clashes between Israeli forces and the Hezbollah group continue since Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio