KUALA LUMPUR: Pas leaders extended their condolences after an Israeli strike on Beirut killed Hamas's deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri.
"Pas extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Al-syahid (martyr) Dr Saleh al-Arouri, who died due to an attack by the Israeli regime on Beirut," party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said on Facebook today.
"He was the Deputy Chairman of Hamas's Political Bureau and the commander of the Hamas military wing in the West Bank. He is also one of the founders of the al-Qassam Brigade.
"May his soul be placed among the righteous and be blessed with the mercy of Allah," said Hadi.
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also conveyed his condolences to Saleh in a different posting also paid tribute to al-Arouri's passing.
"May Allah have mercy on the late Dr Saleh al-Arouri and gather him with the martyrs and prophets. Allahu akbar (Allah is great)!"
AFP quoted a high-level security official that Saleh was killed along with his bodyguards in the strike by Israel. Al-Jazeera reported that Saleh was killed in an Israeli drone strike in the Lebanese capital yesterday (Jan 2).
Israel has previously announced the killing of Hamas commanders in Gaza and Hamas officials during its war, which included severe bombardment in Gaza.
Saleh has now become among the most high-profile figures from Hamas to be killed, and his death came in the first strike on the Lebanese capital since hostilities began.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari did not directly comment on Saleh's killing but said the military is "highly prepared for any scenario" in its aftermath.
Saleh, 57, had been living in exile in Lebanon after spending 15 years in an Israeli jail.
Before the recent war began on Oct 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had threatened to kill him.
In recent weeks, Saleh took on the role of spokesperson for the group.