Israel-Hamas War: The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and Shin Bet have announced the killing of three senior Hamas officials in a targeted airstrike in the Gaza Strip this week. The officials killed in this attack include Barhoum Shaheen, Hashem Sarsour, and Faraj al-Aul. This operation is considered an important step towards reducing the influence of Hamas in Gaza.
Identification of killed Hamas leaders
According to The Times of Israel report, Barhoum Shaheen, who was killed in the attack, was the head of Hamas' general security apparatus in western Gaza. Hashem Sarsour was the head of Hamas' emergency committee in eastern Gaza, while Faraj al-Aul was a member of Hamas' legislative council and head of the legal bureau. The death of these three has dealt a major blow to Hamas' organizational structure.
Allegations of Hamas activities
According to the Israeli military, Shaheen and Sarsour were "involved in Hamas' security and governance activities against the people of Gaza and assisted terrorists of Hamas' military wing while using methods of repression and violence against citizens of the Gaza Strip." The army said Hamas' security apparatus is a secret unit that works to uncover "collaborators" with Israel, protect top Hamas officials and assets, and suppress opponents of the Hamas regime. In addition, the Emergency Committee is responsible for maintaining public order and civil control in Gaza's municipalities.
Wider impact of the attack
This attack has not only weakened the leadership of Hamas but has also had a profound impact on the organization's governance and control mechanism in Gaza. This move of the Israeli army is being considered as part of a strategic effort towards establishing peace and stability in the region.
