In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Israel launched a surprise wave of strikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting key Hamas infrastructure and leadership. This escalation comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release Israeli hostages under conditions proposed by Israel and backed by US mediators. Despite extensive negotiations, including direct involvement from Washington, Hamas chose to reject every proposal put forward, prompting Israel to resume military operations aimed at further weakening the terror group’s capabilities.

Among those killed in last night’s Israeli airstrikes on Gaza were senior Hamas official Issam al-Da’alis, depicted as the king of spades in the playing card collection of Hamas’ leadership targets, Major General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, and Brigadier General Bahjat Abu Sultan, head of central operations in the Gaza Interior Ministry, according to Saudi outlet Al-Hadath. Additionally, several Hamas battalion and company commanders were eliminated, and key command and control centres were destroyed.