US confirms death of top Hamas leader in Israel airstrike

The United States confirmed that an Israeli airstrike killed the deputy commander of Hamas’ military wing, Marwan Issa, who was called the ‘mastermind behind Hamas’ attacks’ by the EU

In a recent development, Israel’s army announced on Monday that it had conducted an operation resulting in the death of a Hamas official inside Gaza City’s Al-Shifa medical complex. This operation unfolded amidst growing concerns of a possible famine gripping the northern part of the enclave.

The White House confirmed the target of the strike to be Marwan Issa, the deputy commander of Hamas’ military wing. Issa, considered one of Israel’s most sought-after individuals, was killed earlier this month in a strike in central Gaza.

This marks the highest-ranking militant commander to be killed in over five months of conflict. Israeli authorities believed Issa played a pivotal role in the day-to-day military operations of Hamas and was instrumental in planning the group’s attack on Oct. 7.

“The rest of the top leaders are in hiding, likely deep in the Hamas tunnel network,” stated national security adviser Jake Sullivan during a press briefing on Monday. “And justice will come for them, too.”

However, the news of Issa’s death was eclipsed by the controversy surrounding the operation at Al-Shifa – the latest in a series of Israeli strikes on hospitals. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that these hospitals are used by Hamas as a cover for military activities. These attacks have resulted in significant damage to or closure of several major medical facilities, according to reports from humanitarian groups, further pushing Gaza’s health system to the brink of collapse.

Issa, who served as the deputy commander of Hamas’ military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was on the radar of Israeli authorities for his alleged involvement in Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7, among other operations.

The European Union had also previously added Issa to its terror list, claiming he was one of the masterminds behind Hamas’ attacks.

The situation in Gaza remains tense, with humanitarian concerns growing as the conflict persists.

Source: Newsroom

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