Media: Israeli airstrikes kill four senior Hamas officials, including top police officers

Hamas media office in Gaza has stated that at least four senior Hamas officials, including high-ranking police officers, were killed in the recent strikes launched by Israel.

The deceased officials included Issam al-Daalis, head of the government administrative committee, 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, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

On the morning of March 18, Israel launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas positions in what is being described as its heaviest assault since the ceasefire in January. Gaza's Health Ministry reported that the airstrikes resulted in over 410 fatalities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the strikes were a response to the lack of progress in negotiations regarding the extension of the ceasefire.

Officials further stated that the operation was open-ended, with the potential for further escalation. The White House expressed its support for Israel’s actions after being consulted. In retaliation, Hamas condemned the airstrikes, claiming they breached the ceasefire agreement and endangered the lives of hostages held by the group. 

The timing of the escalation, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, shocked many and raised concerns about the potential for a full return to violence in Gaza. The ongoing 17-month conflict has already resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and extensive damage across the region. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that the airstrikes had killed 413 people, with at least 660 others injured. 

Among the attacks was a strike on a school in Gaza City that had been turned into a shelter for displaced families. Witnesses described being violently shaken from their sleep when Israeli jets struck, and hospital officials confirmed that over two dozen people died in the attack.

On January 19, 2025, a ceasefire was implemented in the Gaza Strip. The truce was meant to last for 42 days, during which time 33 hostages were to be returned to Israel, and Israel was committed to releasing approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 2, but negotiations for the second phase failed between Israel and Hamas.

On the night of March 18, Israel resumed military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this action was taken because the Palestinian movement rejected US proposals to extend the ceasefire.

By Naila Huseynova