The Israeli military has confirmed the death of senior Hamas official Izz al-Din Kassab, who was killed in an airstrike on Friday in Khan Younis, located in the Gaza Strip.
Kassab was identified as one of the remaining high-ranking Hamas members involved in coordinating efforts with various regional groups, according to reports from Reuters. The military operation also resulted in the death of another Hamas official, Ayman Ayesh, who was killed when an Israeli attack struck their vehicle.
Sources within Hamas told Reuters that while Kassab was an official in Gaza, he did not belong to the organization’s top political leadership.
In related news, Chronicles Reporters had previously reported on the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in a recent Israeli military operation in Gaza. Israeli media outlets cited senior military officials confirming Sinwar’s death, and the government has initiated an investigation to determine if he was killed during a ground operation by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which also resulted in the deaths of three other militants. An official confirmation is anticipated shortly.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on X, “We will reach every terrorist—and eliminate him,” adding that “our enemies cannot hide.” He accompanied this message with an image that appeared to highlight Sinwar’s position, showing a red cross over his name, similar to markings made for other assassinated leaders such as Hamas commander Muhammad Daf and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.
According to senior Israeli officials, security sources believe there is a “high probability” that Sinwar has been eliminated, as reported by Israeli outlet N12, although this has yet to be officially confirmed. Additionally, graphic images claiming to depict the body of the Hamas leader have circulated online, showing what seems to be a corpse resembling Sinwar amidst rubble, suffering severe injuries.
For further updates, join our WhatsApp channel: WhatsApp Channel