Media: Israel confirms death of Gaza’s PM in targeted attacks

The Israeli military has confirmed the elimination of Issam al-Daalis, the de facto prime minister of the Gaza Strip’s Hamas-controlled government, following a series of airstrikes on the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted strikes targeting dozens of terrorist sites and individuals across Gaza, including senior Hamas operatives. These strikes were aimed at weakening Hamas' command and military capabilities, as well as mitigating threats to Israel and its citizens, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Among those eliminated was al-Daalis, described by the Israeli military as the head of government and the highest-ranking official in Gaza. As prime minister, al-Daalis was responsible for overseeing Hamas' activities in Gaza and coordinating the integration of Hamas’ various branches for terrorist purposes.  

The deceased officials also included Maj. Gen. Mohamed Abu Watfa, undersecretary of the Interior Ministry, Maj. Gen. Bahgat Abu Sultan, director of the domestic security agency, and Ahmed al-Hetta, undersecretary of the Justice Ministry. 

On March 18, the IDF reported large-scale airstrikes targeting Hamas assets in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office explained that the strikes were a response to Hamas' refusal to accept proposals presented during negotiations facilitated by US special envoy Steven Witkoff. Netanyahu’s office emphasised that the goal of these actions is to secure the release of all hostages, with Israeli forces committed to acting against Hamas with increasing military force. Radicals have placed the blame for the resumption of hostilities on Israel and the US. They said that Hamas adhered to the ceasefire agreement until the very last moment.

By Naila Huseynova