Hamas confirmed on Tuesday, March 18 that several of the top officials, including its government head in Gaza, Essam Al-Dalis, were killed in a series of Israeli air strikes on Palestinian territory.
Hamas described the men and their families as “martyrs” in a statement, claiming they were directed by Israeli aircraft.
The casualties list also includes Hamas’s interior ministry head Mahmud Abu Watfa and internal security director-general Bahjat Abu Sultan. Dalis is a member of Hamas’ Politburo in Gaza and was appointed as the Gaza government in June 2021.
The strike came after reports earlier in November 2023, with Israel claiming bombing the Hamas structure inside Rees and other leaders. Two Hamas sources later confirmed that a strike in Gaza City led to the death of Abu Vofa.
Israel vowed to continue its operations in Gaza and insisted that it would not stop its military efforts until all hostages returned. The recent strike marks the most intense bombing since the ceasefire in January.
