Rashid Jahjouh Killed in Israeli Airstrike
In a significant escalation of its military operations, Israel announced on Thursday the assassination of Rashid Jahjouh, the chief of Hamas’s internal security agency. This airstrike occurred in the Gaza Strip and marks the latest in a series of targeted attacks by Israeli forces in recent days. The assault resumed early Tuesday, shattering a period of relative calm that had settled over the conflict-ridden region since a ceasefire took effect on January 19.
According to military spokesman Avichay Adraee, Israel’s forces successfully ‘struck and eliminated’ Jahjouh, who had taken over leadership of the Hamas General Security Service after the ousting of his predecessor, Sami Oudeh, in July 2024. This operation reflects Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas’s leadership structure amid ongoing hostilities.
Targeted Strikes and Their Impact
The internal security agency led by Jahjouh plays a crucial role in Hamas governance in Gaza, focusing on counter-espionage and supporting the political leadership by providing essential intelligence for strategic decision-making, as highlighted by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance. This underscores the significance of Jahjouh’s position within the organization and the implications of his removal.
In addition to Jahjouh’s death, Adraee reported the killing of Ismail Abdel-Al, a notable member of the Islamic Jihad’s arms smuggling network, which operates closely with Hamas in the region. These targeted strikes reflect a broader Israeli strategy aimed at destabilizing Palestinian militant operations within Gaza.
Civilian Casualties and Renewed Offensive
The recent escalation of Israeli military action has led to a tragic surge in civilian casualties. The civil defense agency in Gaza reported on Thursday that at least 504 individuals have lost their lives due to the renewed offensive, including more than 190 children. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as hostilities flare up again.
On Tuesday, Hamas confirmed the deaths of other significant officials, including Essam al-Dalis, the head of its government in Gaza, and Mahmud Abu Watfa, the head of the interior ministry. Al-Dalis had been a prominent figure in Hamas’s political bureau, assuming leadership of the administration in Gaza in June 2021, marking his death a pivotal loss for the organization.
