Editorial: The Guardian

• The assassination of Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut and Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have increased the threat of a wider regional conflict.
• Al-Arouri was the group's main conduit to Lebanon-based Hezbollah and to Iran; his death represents a major blow not just to Hamas but also to the broader network.
• Hezbollah and Israel have ramped up the intensity of their attacks over the past three months.
• In the wake of the events of 7 October, there is growing belief in Israel that the threat from Hezbollah must be addressed.
• Hezbollah needs to maintain its reputation as a major regional force and its Iranian benefactors do not wish to see Hamas destroyed.
• Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, with Iranian involvement according to US intelligence, have raised serious concerns about an escalation.
• The current situation is highly flammable, with multiple parties pursuing their own agendas and high risk of misjudgments and manipulation.

Conclusion: Every effort must be made to pursue a deal that could reassure Israelis in the north, and to restrain any Israeli attempt to forcibly clear Hezbollah from southern Lebanon which could lead to disaster for the region.

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