The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) revealed on Thursday that, about three months ago, a joint military operation in the Gaza Strip resulted in the elimination of several senior Hamas officials.

The statement indicated that among those targeted were Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of the Hamas administration in Gaza; Sameh al-Siraj, responsible for security within Hamas’ political bureau and its Labor Committee; and Sami Oudeh, who commanded Hamas’ General Security Mechanism.

The operation was executed through a highly accurate, intelligence-led strike, during which Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets successfully targeted the Hamas leaders. They were hiding in a fortified underground bunker located in northern Gaza. The bunker acted as a command and control center, allowing top Hamas leaders to shelter for extended periods.

The compound where the strike took place was overseen by senior members of Hamas’ General Security Mechanism and was specifically designed to conceal the movements of Hamas leadership, particularly Mushtaha.

After the airstrike, Hamas opted not to publicly announce the deaths of its senior leaders, unlike in previous operations. This strategy was employed to prevent damaging the morale of its forces and to maintain the operational effectiveness of its terrorist network.

Rawhi Mushtaha held a significant role within Hamas, influencing key decisions about the group’s military tactics. In addition to his leadership in civil governance over Gaza, Mushtaha managed the Prisoners Affairs Portfolio and previously handled the finance portfolio for the group. He, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, co-founded Hamas’ General Security Mechanism, and both had served time in Israeli prisons. Mushtaha was Sinwar’s most trusted ally, often regarded as the highest-ranking figure within Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza. During the war, he balanced his responsibilities for civil administration while actively participating in terrorist actions against Israel.

The joint statement from the IDF and ISA concluded with a firm message: “The IDF and ISA will continue to pursue all of the terrorists responsible for the October 7th massacre and will operate against anyone who threatens the State of Israel.”

{Matzav.com Israel}