Hamas leader Marwan Issa has died in an Israeli air strike, according to White House official Jake Sullivan. As the deputy military commander of Hamas, Issa is the highest-ranking leader to have been killed since the start of the war on October 7th. The Palestinian group, which controls Gaza, has not yet commented on reports of his death.
Israeli media sources have reported that Issa was killed in a strike on a tunnel complex under the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza last week. He was considered one of Israel’s most-wanted men and was linked directly to the October 7th attack led by Hamas, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people.
Issa’s death follows a number of senior Hamas leaders being killed by the Israeli military. Hamas political leader Saleh al-Arouri died in an explosion in Beirut, for which Israel is widely considered responsible. Other Hamas leaders are believed to be in hiding, likely deep in the Hamas tunnel network in Gaza.
The United States has pledged to aid Israel in its continued hunt for top Hamas leaders, with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan stating, “Justice will come for them, too.” However, President Joe Biden has expressed growing concern over the rising number of civilian deaths in Gaza and has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue a coherent and sustainable strategy.
The relationship between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu has grown tense as the war in Gaza continues. Senior Democrats in the US are becoming increasingly critical of Netanyahu, with Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer calling for new elections in Israel.
In the coming days, Israel will send a senior interagency team composed of military, intelligence, and humanitarian officials to Washington to discuss US concerns over an invasion of the city of Rafah. President Biden stressed the need for a clear, strategic endgame in Gaza during his call with Netanyahu.
The implications of Issa’s death and the ongoing conflict in Gaza are significant. The continuation of the conflict has led to a dire humanitarian crisis and a rising death toll of Palestinian civilians. This has drawn international condemnation and has alienated many of Israel’s allies.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Israel to develop a coherent and sustainable strategy to address the conflict in Gaza. The pursuit of top Hamas leaders should be accompanied by efforts to protect civilian lives and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, the tension between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu underscores the importance of a strong and collaborative relationship between the two leaders. The US plays a crucial role in mediating the conflict and ensuring a peaceful resolution.
In the future, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation. The ongoing violence in Gaza has far
