In a significant escalation of violence, several high-ranking members of Hamas were reportedly killed in an airstrike on a tunnel in Gaza.
According to a report published by Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, the attack targeted a tunnel used by Hamas militants and resulted in the deaths of several senior figures, including Ruhi Mushtaha, a close associate of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Mushtaha, along with Bassam Al-Saraj and three other senior members of Hamas’s military wing, were confirmed dead following the strike. Among the deceased was Abed Al-Hadi Siam, the intelligence chief of the Gaza Brigade.
The report details that the attack on the tunnel was a significant blow to Hamas’s leadership, particularly as Mushtaha and Sinwar had a longstanding relationship dating back to their time in Israeli prisons.
The two men were released together as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, which saw the release of over a thousand Palestinian prisoners in return for the captured Israeli soldier.
Their release marked the beginning of a prominent phase in their careers within Hamas, where they became influential leaders in the organization.
The tunnel attack is reported to have been aimed at disrupting Hamas’s operations and leadership.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the region. The strike also raises questions about the effectiveness and precision of targeting strategies used in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas has been actively involved in internal elections since 2011, with key figures like Mushtaha and Al-Saraj gaining substantial control over the organization’s various branches.
Samah Al-Saraj, a notable figure in Hamas’s political bureau and a prominent member involved in managing the group’s financial portfolios, was also reported among those killed.
His rare media appearances had previously highlighted his influence within the organization.
Despite the claims made by Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Hamas has yet to officially confirm the details of the attack or the casualties. Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, has stated, “We cannot confirm any of the reports published in the media or by other sources.”
This statement reflects the ongoing uncertainty and the challenge of verifying information in a conflict zone where news is often subject to rapid changes and conflicting reports.
The impact of this attack on Hamas’s operational capabilities remains to be fully assessed. However, the reported deaths of such high-profile leaders suggest a significant disruption to the group’s leadership structure.
The incident underscores the continued volatility in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where such targeted operations are part of the ongoing struggle for influence and control.
As the situation develops, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the full extent of the consequences of this latest escalation.