Half of Hamas Leadership Eliminated in Gaza Operation, IDF Reports

Nine months into the ground operation in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it has eliminated half of Hamas's military leadership, along with approximately 14,000 terrorists killed or apprehended. This significant attrition includes senior figures such as six brigade commanders, over 20 battalion commanders, and around 150 company commanders, leaving the remaining Hamas leadership fragmented and facing internal discord.

The IDF reported that with most of Hamas's military council killed in airstrikes, the group has begun appointing new leaders and structuring succession plans. The army expressed high confidence that Mohammed Deif, Hamas's overall commander, was killed in an airstrike on Saturday. If confirmed, he would be the highest-ranking Hamas leader killed. Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of Yahya Sinwar, is reportedly poised to replace Deif.

Arab sources suggest that Ruhi Mushtaha, an associate of Yahya Sinwar from their time in Israeli prison, may succeed Sinwar as Hamas's leading figure in Gaza. Among the senior Hamas leaders eliminated so far are Marwan Issa, Salah Arouri, Ahmed Ehandor, Iman Nofal, and most recently, Rafa'a Salameh. The fate of Raed Saad remains uncertain after he was targeted in an airstrike in June.

The IDF also reported striking around 37,000 targets from the air, including more than 25,000 terror infrastructure sites. These efforts aim to prevent the restoration of terrorist capabilities, targeting tunnel shafts, command centers, rocket launching positions, and other facilities. Strikes are carried out with measures to mitigate civilian collateral damage and comply with international law.

Twice this week, airstrikes struck terror squads in UN schools in central Gaza's Nuseirat area, based on precise intelligence. The IDF stated that these operations aim to prevent terrorists from embedding themselves in sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and humanitarian shelters.

At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 individuals, including Israelis and foreigners, were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed to be dead.

(With inputs from agencies.)