TEL AVIV – The Israeli military has confirmed that a targeted airstrike has killed Gaza’s de facto Prime Minister, Rawhi Mushtaha, along with two senior ministers. The airstrike, which took place three months ago, targeted an underground tunnel in Gaza, identified as a command and control center by Israeli intelligence.
The Israeli military’s statement said the airstrike was based on accurate intelligence, confirming that Rawhi Mushtaha, a key figure in Hamas and a close ally of its leader Yahya Sinwar, was present in the tunnel. Mushtaha, who served as the political head of Hamas in Gaza, had shared a long history with Sinwar, with both having endured imprisonment in Israeli jails together.
Along with Mushtaha, Hamas Defense Minister Sami al-Sarraj and his deputy, Sami Oudieh, were also killed in the strike. Al-Sarraj held the security portfolio in Hamas’ political bureau, while Oudieh was responsible for Hamas’ general security strategy.
Hamas has not yet confirmed or denied the Israeli claims regarding the deaths of their senior leadership, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the event. The loss of Mushtaha and his key ministers marks a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership structure in Gaza.
