IDF eliminates Hamas intelligence chief in targeted Gaza operation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have eliminated Osama Tabash, the head of military intelligence for the Palestinian group Hamas, in an operation conducted in southern Gaza. The announcement was made via the IDF’s official Telegram channel.

“The IDF and Israel’s General Security Service conducted a joint operation and eliminated Osama Tabash, who served as the head of Hamas’ military intelligence and its surveillance and targeting unit,” the statement read, per Caliber.Az.

According to the IDF, Tabash was a significant figure within Hamas, holding various leadership positions and serving as a key source of operational intelligence for the group. The Israeli military added that during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, he was responsible for planning and coordinating infiltration targets and objectives.

On March 18, Israel resumed military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Senior Israeli officials justified the renewed offensive by stating that Hamas had rejected a US-backed plan to extend the ceasefire and release Israeli hostages.

The Palestinian side, however, accused Israel of failing to honour previous agreements and refusing to engage in negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

On the same day, the IDF also announced the elimination of Hamas Prime Minister Issam al-Da’alis. Details of the operation were not immediately disclosed.

The renewed hostilities come after the United States proposed a new ceasefire plan for Gaza on March 2, citing unresolved disagreements between Israel and Hamas. Under the proposed deal, Hamas would be required to release half of the hostages it holds — both living and deceased — on the first day of implementation.

Since the resumption of Israeli military operations on March 18, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 591, with 1,042 people injured, according to the enclave's health ministry. The ministry reported that over 70% of those killed were children, women, and the elderly.

By Tamilla Hasanova