Israeli forces carried out a targeted raid in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the assassination of three high-ranking leaders from Hamas, including Rouhi Mushtaha, Samih Al-Saraj, and Sami Odeh. The operation took place in the industrial area southwest of Gaza City approximately a week and a half ago.
Samih Al-Saraj, head of civil security in Hamas’s executive committee, played a crucial role in civil affairs and had close ties to Hamas’s political bureau chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Rouhi Mushtaha, responsible for civil affairs and a key figure in establishing the General Security Service, worked closely with Sinwar in managing civil governance, prisoner affairs, and finances. Sami Odeh, the commander of the General Security Service, was known for maintaining Hamas’s rule in Gaza and leading the fight against espionage and collaboration with Israel.
The Israeli army claimed responsibility for targeting these leaders, citing their integral roles within the Hamas movement in Gaza. The loss of these three influential figures is a significant blow to Hamas’s infrastructure in the area.