Hamas Confirms Death of Key Figures in Gaza Conflict
Israel's relentless campaign against Hamas in Gaza continues, with the terrorist group confirming the deaths of several of its high-ranking members. The armed wing of Hamas, the Essedin al-Qassam Brigades, announced the demise of their commander responsible for the northern Gaza Strip, Ahmed Al-Gandur, along with three other key figures. The exact timing of their deaths remains undisclosed.
Reports suggest that Ayman Sijjam, head of the rocket unit, was among the fallen. Al-Gandur, widely known by his nom de guerre, Abu Anas, had been listed as a terrorist by the United States since 2017, subject to economic sanctions. State Department records indicated his involvement in multiple acts of terrorism.
The announcement came as a day of ceasefire between Israel and Hamas marked its third day. The truce, so far lasting for four consecutive days, has resulted in the release of 26 hostages, previously held by Hamas, in exchange for 78 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for approximately seven weeks, with events tracing back to October 7. Hundreds of Hamas fighters, classified as terrorists by Israel, launched attacks on Israeli territory, predominantly targeting civilians, including women and children. The Israeli government estimates around 1,200 fatalities and over 240 hostages taken during the events in the Gaza Strip, according to their records.
In response, Israel intensified their military operations in the Gaza Strip, using both air and ground attacks. Hamas, lacking independent verification, claims over 14,800 casualties since the initiation of military actions.
Ensuring the destruction of Hamas in Gaza became a principal objective for Israel in its war against the terrorist organization. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in the deaths of several prominent Hamas figures, including Ayman Sijjam, head of the Essedin al-Qassam Brigades' rocket unit.
Insights:
Several key Hamas leaders have been targeted and killed during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Among them are Ahmed Yassin, Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, and Ismail Haniyeh, who held significant roles within Hamas. Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas' military wing based in Gaza, was also eliminated in a military operation in Gaza by Israel Defense Forces.
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Contributing to Hamas's operations over the years, these leaders were identified as key elements of the terror organization by Israel, who targeted them in response to their activities.
- Ahmed Yassin:
- Role: Co-founder and spiritual leader of Hamas.
- Circumstances:Killed in a helicopter missile strike on March 22, 2004, as he left a mosque in Gaza[4].
- Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi:
- Role: Successor to Ahmed Yassin as the leader of Hamas.
- Circumstances: Assassinated 26 days after Yassin's death, on April 17, 2004[2].
- Ismail Haniyeh:
- Role: Political leader of Hamas.
- Circumstances: Killed in Tehran, Iran, on July 30, 2024, while attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. No state or organization has claimed responsibility for his killing, but Tehran has blamed Israel and vowed revenge[3].
- Yahya Sinwar:
- Role: Leader of Hamas's military wing based in Gaza, considered the mastermind of the group’s attack inside Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.
- Circumstances: Killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on October 16, 2024, in a military operation in the southern city of Rafah in Gaza[1][2].
