The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the assassination of senior Hamas official Izz al-Din Kassab in an airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Friday. The IDF described Kassab as a key figure in Hamas, responsible for coordinating with various groups within the Gaza Strip.
Hamas sources indicated that Kassab was a local official and not part of the organization’s decision-making political office. The IDF stated that he managed strategic and military relations and had the authority to initiate attacks against Israel. The airstrike also resulted in the death of Kassab’s assistant, Ayman Ayesh, with the IDF releasing footage of the operation.
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In a related development, Mossad Chief David Barnea addressed families of hostages held in Gaza, clarifying that recent reports of Hamas rejecting an Egyptian ceasefire proposal were incorrect. This proposal included a 12-day truce, allowing Hamas to prepare for the potential release of four hostages in exchange for about 100 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Hamas is expected to formally respond to the ceasefire offer next week.
The ongoing conflict escalated following Hamas’s large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, leading to intensified hostilities in Gaza.
