Hamas government de-facto head, 2 others killed in Israeli airstrike
What's the story
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the death of Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of the Hamas government in Gaza. The IDF revealed that Mushtaha was killed alongside two other senior Hamas operatives—Sameh al-Siraj and Sami Oudeh—in an airstrike conducted approximately three months ago. However, this information was withheld by the Gazan terror organization to avoid demoralizing its fighters.
Key figure
Mushtaha's role in Hamas and his close association with Sinwar
Mushtaha was a key figure in the Hamas political bureau, maintaining civil control of the regime during wartime while also engaging in terrorist activities against Israel. He served as the right-hand man to Yahya Sinwar, another top Hamas leader. The IDF highlighted Mushtaha's significant role within Hamas, stating that he was "one of its most senior operatives and a key decision-maker in how the terror organization deployed its fighters and assets."
Airstrike operation
Details of the airstrike that killed Mushtaha
The IDF reported that the airstrike was carried out based on intelligence from both the IDF and Shin Bet. The targets were hiding in "a fortified and equipped underground compound in the northern Gaza Strip," which served as a Hamas command center. This subterranean facility was designed to shelter Hamas terrorists for extended periods, with Mushtaha being one of its primary occupants.
Terrorist activities
Mushtaha's involvement in Hamas's military and financial affairs
According to reports, Mushtaha played a dual role within Hamas, making military decisions while also serving as the Head of Hamas Civil Governance in Gaza Strip. He held the Prisoners Affairs Portfolio and previously managed the group's financial affairs. Mushtaha was a co-founder of Hamas's armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (IQB), and was arrested by Israel in 1988. He was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange deal for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Global terrorist
US Department of State's designation of Mushtaha
In September 2015, the US Department of State listed Mushtaha as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This designation is part of measures taken by the United States government to disrupt financial support to terrorists. The other two Hamas leaders, killed alongside him, Sameh, held the security portfolio on Hamas' political bureau and Hamas' Labor Committee, while Sami was the Commander of Hamas' General Security Mechanism