Marwan Issa, Hamas’s third-ranking member and deputy to Mohammed Deif, found himself the target of an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, an incident approved for release by the Israel Defense Forces on Monday. The strike purportedly targeted Issa, who was believed to be hiding in Nusirat, central Gaza, although his fate remains uncertain.
Reports from Maariv, based on Palestinian sources, suggest that Hamas is apprehensive about Issa’s well-being, heightening tensions within the organization. Separate from the strike on Issa, the IDF announced the elimination of 15 terrorists in central Gaza. This operation involved a combination of close-quarters engagements, sniper fire, and airstrikes, signaling Israel’s proactive approach to counterterrorism efforts.
In a specific encounter, Israeli forces identified a terror cell transporting suspected weaponry from a Hamas military compound. After monitoring their activities, the IDF swiftly conducted an airstrike, neutralizing the threat posed by the cell. Another terror cell observing Israeli troops met a similar fate, highlighting the IDF’s relentless pursuit of security objectives.
Further operations unfolded in the Hamad area of southern Gaza, where Israeli special forces raided civilian residences serving as terrorist hideouts. These raids led to the arrest of Hamas militants and the seizure of weapons and ammunition, underlining Israel’s commitment to dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
Despite facing an anti-tank missile during one operation, IDF personnel emerged unscathed, showcasing their resilience in the face of danger. Israeli troops engaged and eliminated a terrorist in close-quarters combat, demonstrating their unwavering determination to safeguard civilian lives and maintain security.
Israeli naval forces intercepted a vessel off the northern coast of Gaza used by terror organizations, signaling Israel’s comprehensive approach to combatting terrorism both on land and at sea.
The recent developments underscore Israel’s proactive stance against terrorism, aiming to mitigate threats to its citizens and preserve regional stability in its response to Hamas.