According to the reports on Monday (24 March), the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) recently carried out a targeted strike on a Hamas operative within the Nasser Hospital compound in Gaza. The IDF confirmed that the operation was executed with precision after extensive intelligence gathering, aiming to minimize harm to the surrounding environment. The military condemned Hamas for using civilian sites, including active hospitals, as cover for its operations, calling it a violation of international law. They emphasized that Hamas had been cynically exploiting such infrastructure while endangering the Gazan population.
In addition to the hospital strike, the IDF confirmed the deaths of two key Hamas commanders: Ahmad Salman ‘Awj Shimali and Jamil Omar Jamil Wadiya. Shimali was responsible for strategic operations, including planning the offensive strategy and preparing for the October 7 massacre, while Wadiya had been in charge of organizing battalion forces and was involved in an attack that killed a 16-year-old Israeli. These killings represent significant blows to Hamas’s military leadership.
The situation has sparked further international debate, with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff placing the blame for the ongoing fighting on Hamas. Witkoff rejected claims that Israel had undermined ceasefire efforts, reiterating that the U.S. stands firmly with Israel. Hamas, however, countered these accusations, claiming it had responded positively to ceasefire proposals and blamed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for the failure to extend the truce.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations continued, including airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah sites. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened, with the United Nations warning of an imminent hunger crisis due to the lack of vital humanitarian aid entering the region. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 50,000 deaths, and the situation on the ground remains dire as both sides continue their military operations.
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