Israeli military confirms killing of three senior Hamas leaders in Gaza strike

According to the military, the airstrike killed Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of Hamas’s government in Gaza, Sameh al-Siraj, who was responsible for the security portfolio in Hamas's political bureau, and Sami Oudeh, a commander, news agency AFP reported.

The military statement highlighted Mushtaha’s significant influence, describing him as having a "direct impact on decisions relating to Hamas' force deployment."

Mushtaha was referred to as the "right-hand man" of Yahya Sinwar, the top leader of Hamas. In 2015, the U.S. State Department labeled Mushtaha a "specially designated global terrorist."

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) characterized Mushtaha as a key member of Hamas's Gaza politburo, also managing the group's financial activities, according to the report.

The ECFR further noted that al-Siraj held a position in the politburo, while Oudeh led Hamas's internal security agency.

Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has reportedly dealt significant damage to the organization, weakening its operational capacity through the elimination of multiple leaders and thousands of fighters, while also leaving large sections of the Gaza territory devastated.

The Gaza conflict was triggered by Hamas’s assault on October 7, which led to the deaths of 1,205 individuals in Israel, mostly civilians.

These figures, compiled by AFP based on Israeli data, include hostages killed while in captivity.

In response, Israel’s retaliatory offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 41,788 people in Gaza, with the majority reported to be civilians, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-controlled territory.

These numbers have been described as reliable by the United Nations.

"Mushtaha was one of Hamas' most senior operatives and had a direct impact on decisions relating to Hamas' force deployment," reiterated the Israeli military in its statement.