Finance Expert Analysis: Has Hamas’ Number 2 Been Killed?
Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a conflict in the Gaza Strip for over five months. In an intriguing development, there are now reports that Marwan Issa, the number 2 figure in Hamas, may have been killed. This news, if confirmed, would mark the highest-ranking Hamas leader to be killed in the ongoing conflict.
According to radio reports from the Israeli military, Israeli forces launched an airstrike on the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza on the evening of March 9th after receiving intelligence about Issa’s location. Issa is the second-in-command of the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. The Israeli military radio report stated that the airstrike killed five people.
Israeli news outlet Haaretz has reported that Israel is currently verifying whether Issa is among those killed in the airstrike.
Both the Israeli military and Hamas commanders have refrained from commenting on the reports concerning Issa in the media.
Xe quân sự của Israel di chuyển gần biên giới Israel – dải Gaza. (Image: Reuters)
In a statement summarizing the previous 24 hours’ operations, Israel announced the “neutralization of militants in the center of Gaza,” but did not specifically mention the Al-Nusseirat camp.
Issa is on Israel’s most-wanted list, alongside commander Mohammed Deif and Hamas’ Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar. These individuals were accused by Israel of masterminding the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which ignited the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to Israeli statistics, Hamas was responsible for the deaths of 1,200 people in a fierce attack on southern Israel and the capture of 253 hostages last year. In response, the Gaza authorities state that the conflict has claimed the lives of over 31,000 Palestinians, caused significant destruction to infrastructure, and resulted in widespread hunger.
The confirmed death of Marwan Issa could potentially impact efforts to establish a ceasefire and exchange hostages. Israel has revealed that negotiations are ongoing through intermediaries such as Egypt and Qatar.
Over the past weekend, Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, stated that both sides are working to bridge the gap and reach an agreement.
Hamas blames Israel for not providing assurances to end hostilities and withdraw its forces. Meanwhile, Israel seeks a temporary ceasefire to allow for hostage exchanges but maintains that military operations will not cease until Hamas is defeated.
As an expert in finance and economics, it is essential to stay informed about significant developments in politics and conflicts, as they can have far-reaching consequences for regional stability, economic markets, and global financial situations. Stay tuned to Business Today for more updates on this developing story.
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