Israel Airstrike Eliminates Hamas Minister, Escalates Tensions

The Israel Defence Forces announced the killing of Hamas minister Abed Al-Zeriei in an airstrike on the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called for increased military actions against Hamas, while Iran vowed retaliation following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that they killed Hamas minister Abed Al-Zeriei in an airstrike carried out in the Gaza Strip the previous day. Al-Zeriei was involved in the Hamas Military Wing's manufacturing department and served as the economy minister in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.

The IDF stated on X that Al-Zeriei played a crucial role in directing Hamas' efforts to control humanitarian aid entering Gaza and managing the Hamas-controlled market. He was also responsible for distributing fuel, gas, and funds for terrorist purposes, the IDF noted.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for increased military efforts against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. "Only increasing the military pressure on Hamas will achieve all the war objectives, including the return of our hostages, both living and deceased," reported TPS media. Netanyahu warned that "Iran and its minions are looking to surround us with terrorism," and declared, "we are determined to stand against them on every front."

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran on July 31 during an attack that Iran attributed to Israel. The attack, reportedly carried out using a short-range projectile with a warhead, prompted a vow of retaliation from Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The IRGC promised to avenge Haniyeh's blood, stating that the Zionist regime would face severe punishment at an appropriate time and place.

On Thursday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a public funeral ceremony for Haniyeh in Tehran before the coffin was transported to Doha. During the event, Khamenei threatened harsh punishment for Haniyeh's assassination.

(With inputs from agencies.)