Israeli Forces Kill Senior Hamas Military Leader In Gaza Amid Raging War: White House Official

In a recent development, Israeli forces have reportedly taken out a top-ranking military leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

What Happened: As per a senior White House official, Marwan Issa, the deputy commander of Hamas’s military wing, was killed in an Israeli operation last week, reported The New York Times on Tuesday.

Although the Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed Issa’s death, they have indicated that he was likely killed in an Israeli airstrike on March 9-10. The strike targeted an underground space in the Nuseirat neighborhood of central Gaza, which was used by Issa and another senior Hamas military official.

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Why It Matters: The death of Issa comes at a critical juncture in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Just days before the announcement, there was a glimmer of hope for de-escalation as Israel and Hamas appeared to be moving closer to a ceasefire agreement. This followed Hamas’s concessions in negotiations and Israel’s plans to send a delegation to Qatar, as international pressure mounted for a resolution.

However, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with the UN warning of a looming famine in northern Gaza amid the intensifying war. The UN Food Agency reports that 70% of the population is at risk of severe hunger, with the potential for half of Gaza’s total population to face starvation. The European Union’s top diplomat has condemned the situation as “entirely man-made,” implicating the use of starvation as a war tactic.

The killing of Issa may further complicate ceasefire efforts and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With the Israeli military continuing its operations, including a recent raid on Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the path to peace appears fraught with challenges.

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