Israel has confirmed that a key leader of Hamas who was a target for elimination, along with another two senior members of the group, were killed in an aerial strike on Monday. The incident focuses global awareness on tensions increasing in the area.
What Happened?
The bombing involved a targeted airstrike on senior Hamas terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza strip. An Israeli military spokesman said the leaders had been under surveillance for years and the army decided to eliminate them during a time when all three were together. The strike happened overnight as Israel said it was an important step in terms of “degrading” Hamas leadership.
The head of Hamas’s government and two other key figures were among those who died. They held key positions and were involved in the group’s most important activities, including military planning and strikes against Israel. Their killing is a heavy blow for Hamas.
Who Were the Leaders?
The Hamas government chief who was killed directed all life in Gaza – politically, militarily and otherwise. The other two slain senior leaders had been his key aides in deciding on the group’s behaviour, particularly their role in fomenting and carrying out armed activities against Israel.
They are seen as formidable figures in Hamas. They were in charge of other attacks on Israel, including rocket fire and special operations. It was a major loss for the Hamas chain of command; in their Nile Street apartment, two rooms have been gouged out by two Israeli missiles.
Why Is This Important?
Siegel: This is not a new fight in the long-standing battle between Israel and Hamas — both over land, but also politics. Israel has been bombing Hamas, as an integral part of its overall strategy to wear down the organisation and provide protection for Israeli civilians in the face of attacks.
The precisely targeted nature of this attack is significant, having taken down three senior Hamas leaders simultaneously. Israel is seeking a policy of assassination against these key traders, as a basis for reducing the group’s ability to carry out further attacks. But there are also fears that the deaths of these leaders might mean more bloodshed, as Hamas will likely hit back following its biggest senior figures.
A Long-Running Conflict
The Israel-Palestine conflict, Hamas along with Palestinians has been the centre of the debate for over 70 years. There are long standing grievances on both sides — mainly over land. While there have been initiatives to end the war, violence persists on both ends with hefty casualties suffered by both parties in 40 years.
The deaths of the Hamas government chief and two senior leaders in this latest development may set off or cement a change in direction in the conflict, but it is unlikely to stop the violence. The voices crying out for peace across the globe are increasing, but we have no idea what will happen next
