With Israel intensifying its strikes on Gaza, Hamas sources said some of its key leaders in the Strip were killed. In the deadliest attack on Gaza since the first phase of ceasefire was agreed upon in January, around 450 people have been killed, according to reports.
Who was Issam Da'alis
Palestinian media reported that the Israeli airstrikes killed Issam Da'alis, who is functioning similar to a prime minister in the Hamas government in Gaza. He was a member of the Hamas political bureau and the chief of the governmental acitivity monitoring committee.
🔴ELIMINATED: Several terrorists operating under the cover of journalists in Gaza
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 15, 2025
The IAF struck a terrorist cell yesterday in the Beit Lahia area that also included a terrorist who infiltrated Israeli territory during the Oct. 7 massacre. The terrorists struck were operating a… pic.twitter.com/XxKZ0elKm3
However, this is not the first time that reports about the death of Da'alis made rounds. In July 2024, Da'alis was believed to have been killed an airstrike. However, neither the IDF nor Hamas confirmed his death. Asharaq al-Awsat reported in January that Da'alis was dead.
Who else were killed in Israel airstrike?
Among Hamas leaders killed in airstrikes was Mahmoud Abu Watfa, who was the chief of the interior ministry, AFP quoted Hamas sources as saying. The ministry handles security forces that does not come under the Hamas military wing.
Watfa was responsible for leading the police and internal security services of Hamas in Gaza. Another top official in the Hamas interior ministry, Bahjat Abu Sultan, was also killed overnight.
Hamas political bureau member Abu Ubaida Al-Jamassi, who was heading the emergency committee of the militant group, was also said to have been killed.
Another Hamas official who has reportedly been kiled is Ahmad Al-Khatta, the director general of the Gaza justice ministry.
