JERUSALEM/CAIRO: Israel was probing on Monday to see if Hamas’ second-highest military leader had been killed in an air strike, according to media, as discussions to end the Gaza war stalled to coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
If his death is confirmed, Marwan Issa will be the highest-ranking member of the resistance movement murdered by Israel in the more than five-month battle that has ravaged the Palestinian enclave and killed thousands.
According to Israeli Army Radio, Israel bombarded the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza on Saturday night because it had intelligence on the presence of Issa, the second-in-command of Hamas’ military arm, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades.
The incident killed five people, according to the report.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Israel is investigating whether Issa was among those killed. Neither the Israeli military nor Hamas leaders quickly responded to the media allegations.
Issa is among Israel’s most sought, along with military wing chief Mohammed Deif and Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, who are suspected of masterminding the October 7 attack that sparked the conflict.
If confirmed, Issa’s killing might hinder efforts to arrange a cease-fire and captive release, despite Israel’s claim that talks are proceeding through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
