Israel has been investigating the possibility of Hamas’s deputy military chief, Marwan Issa, having been killed in an air strike as reported by several media outlets. If this turns out to be true, Issa’s death would signify the most senior official’s death in the Islamist militant group at the hands of Israel throughout the conflict that’s lasted longer than five months. This conflict has significantly damaged the Palestinian region and taken many lives.
Furthermore, an Israeli Armed Forces radio announcement stated that an air strike was launched on the Al-Nusseirat camp based in central Gaza on a recent Saturday night. The authorities believed Issa was there during the attack. Five people reportedly lost their lives in this attack.
Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, is among the sources reporting that Issa’s possible death is currently under investigation. However, the Israeli forces’ statement summarising Sunday’s operations made no mention of this event.
On Israel’s “most wanted” list, Issa sits with other figures like Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif and the Gaza leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar. These individuals reportedly orchestrated the attack on October 7th which set off the current conflict.
If it turns out that Issa has indeed been killed, this development could create a hurdle for initiatives aimed at securing a ceasefire and freeing captives. Despite this, Israel maintains that active negotiations are proceeding through Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries.
Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, indicated over the weekend that both parties are actively trying to reconcile their differences and reach a settlement. Hamas, however, accuses Israel of refraining from providing assurances concerning the war’s end and troop withdrawal. Israel, on the other hand, is pushing for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate prisoner exchange but is diplomatically clear that its conflict with Hamas will endure until they are defeated.
The negotiators had optimistically entertained a ceasefire to coincide with Ramadan, which began this Monday. However, an early hours Israeli air strike on a Gaza City residence resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and inflicted injuries upon several more, according to Palestinian health authorities. Reports claim an Israeli assault targeted Zeitoun, one of Gaza City’s historic districts, and struck the Abu Shammala family home, causing the fatalities. No commentary regarding this incident has been released by Israel so far.
The Israeli military declared that they have engaged and killed approximately 15 militants through intense ground and aerial fights in the heart of Gaza. This occurred predominantly in Khan Younis, a main battleground for the Israeli force in the past few weeks. The targets were accused of being Hamas military sites, according to the army.
The world’s attention is firmly on the Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, demanding that he take necessary steps to safeguard non-combatants and ease their suffering. The current warfare has led to a significant number of Gaza’s 2.3 million citizens being displaced and living in atrocious conditions in improvised tents in the southern city of Rafah. There is a considerable shortage of nourishment and urgent medicinal supplies.
It is challenging to meet the daily needs of the affected population, with the scant aid barely making a difference. It’s estimated by the United Nations that one-fourth of the population is precariously close to starvation. Aid organisations are pivoting their operations towards sea-based deliveries as a means of reaching these victims.
A government official from Cyprus revealed plans of a vessel with 200 tonnes of aid departing on a designated day – Monday. The US military also confirmed that its vessel, the General Frank S. Besson, is en route to aid Gaza by sea. Echoing these sentiments, US President Joe Biden, in his State of the Union speech, announced plans for a temporary seaport off Gaza, aiming to expedite the aid distribution process.
Senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, voiced his approval for this new aid pathway while lobbying the US to push for the conclusion of the war. He strongly stressed that meeting the basic needs of the Gaza population isn’t a favour, but rather a human right protected by international law – even during wartime.
The current state of affairs has been exacerbated by the militant group Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, which has murdered 1200 people and abducted 253 others during attacks in Southern Israel as per Israeli accounts. This has led to a catastrophic war that has led to more than 31,000 Palestinian fatalities as reported by the Gaza officials. Furthermore, the war has caused total destruction of the infrastructure and led to severe starvation. – Reuters