Hamas’ chief interrogator has died following a damaging series of strikes on the terror group, Israel’s Defence Force (IDF) has said.
Yousef Shabat was a senior officer in Hamas’ intelligence branch – Beit Hanoun Battalion – in Rafah.
He was one of 40 targets hit by Israel’s air force in a series of strikes in northern Gaza on Wednesday.
The IDF said in a statement: “This elimination significantly damages the organisation’s investigations department.”
Other targets hit included observation posts, buildings Hamas terrorists had been occupying, and various infrastructure.
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Israel also struck a vehicle, killing all 10 gunmen inside after receiving “accurate intelligence” on enemy positions, the IDF claimed.
But at least 11 Palestinians were also killed in strikes in southern Rafah on Wednesday, including five children.
These were just the latest series of frequent heavy attacks Israel has been launching as it scrambles to eliminate Hamas following its brutal massacre on October 7.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been targeting Rafah, which borders Egypt.
Last week he set an official date for a large-scale military ground offensive in this part of the strip.
That is despite around 1.5 million people being cramped into the small area. That is more than half the 2.3 million population of the Gaza Strip. Before the war, the border town home to just 250,000 people.
Now, the US has reportedly agreed to back a military ground operation in the area, the Qatari Al-Araby Al-Jadeed news outlet reported on Thursday.
It would mark a major shift in the White House’s position, which had previously only favoured a limited operation targeting high-value enemy personal stationed in the border town.
But US President Joe Biden has also told Netanyahu in a phone call that he would not support significant Israeli retaliation on Iran for the strikes it launched on the Jewish state over the weekend.
The Islamic Republic sent more than 300 missiles and drones rocketing into Israel on Saturday in a major escalation.
Netanyahu has warned that Israel will act as it sees fit, regardless of the US position.
He said ahead of a war cabinet meeting Wednesday: “We will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”
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Jamie Roberts
It’s tragic to see the loss of lives on both sides in this relentless conflict. The violence only perpetuates further suffering and heartache for innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.