Senior Hamas leaders including 3 others killed in airstrikes, claims Israel

Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that it had successfully eliminated three senior leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, including Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of Hamas’ Gaza government. 

The IDF operation, targeting an underground facility in northern Gaza, also resulted in the deaths of two other key Hamas commanders, Sameh Siraj and Sami Oudeh. 

According to a detailed statement from the IDF, the operation was part of a broader campaign to neutralize individuals linked to the October 7 massacre in Israel, which left over 1,200 dead and sparked a deadly war between Israel and Gaza. The military strike was executed with precision, utilizing airpower to strike a fortified underground command and control compound where the Hamas leaders had taken refuge. The compound, heavily fortified and well-equipped, had allowed the commanders to operate undetected for extended periods.

"Approximately three months ago, in a joint operation conducted by the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), Rawhi Mushtaha, Sameh al-Siraj, and Sami Oudeh were eliminated while hiding in an underground compound in northern Gaza. The compound served as a key Hamas command and control center," the IDF said in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter).

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Rawhi Mushtaha was a high-ranking official within Hamas and a close confidant of Yahya Sinwar, another top Hamas leader. Mushtaha is believed to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating the October 7 attacks, which killed civilians and soldiers alike and resulted in over 200 people being taken hostage. The elimination of Mushtaha and his associates represents a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership structure.

This latest strike follows a similar high-profile operation in Lebanon last week, where the IDF conducted a precision strike that reportedly killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, another Iran-backed militant organization. The death of Nasrallah has further intensified tensions in the region, dealing a critical blow to Hezbollah’s leadership.

The Middle East has remained embroiled in conflict for nearly a year following Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel, triggering widespread violence across Gaza and Israel. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 41,000 people, with no immediate signs of de-escalation. The IDF reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for the attacks, stating, "We will continue to operate against anyone who threatens the State of Israel."

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains on edge, with growing concerns about the escalating violence and its broader implications for regional stability.