In early March, Marwan Issa, identified as the deputy commander of Hamas’ military wing, was reported killed by the Israel Defense Forces. The Times of Israel covered the development, noting the IDF confirmation at a press briefing that Issa had died in an airstrike targeting the center of the Gaza Strip.
The IDF press briefing also named Gazi Abu Tamaa, another senior Hamas commander, as a casualty of the same attack in the town of Nuseyrat on March 10. The spokesperson emphasized that the strike had targeted high-ranking figures within Hamas and that the operation was part of a broader military action in the region.
Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, spoke to Al Jazeera and indicated that the organization could not provide confirmation or denial about Issa’s death due to insufficient evidence. The comment highlighted the ongoing challenge of verifying information amid the conflict.
The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has intensified since October 7, when thousands of Hamas militants crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip. The hostilities led to the capture of more than two hundred hostages and set off a large-scale military response.
Rockets were launched by Hamas against Israeli territory, and the group announced the initiation of Operation Al Aqsa Flood. In reply, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the nation was at war and mobilized resources for a sustained military campaign.
Regional actors entered the scene as Lebanese factions, including Hezbollah, voiced support for Hamas. Fire from Lebanon targeted border areas within Israel as cross-border exchanges expanded. The Israeli army reported that anti-tank missiles were fired toward Kibbutz Manara from Lebanese territory, signaling a broader regional dimension to the conflict.
Analysts have noted that Hezbollah’s involvement could complicate a regional response, potentially affecting air and ground operations. Experts warned that a broader confrontation could stress existing defense systems, including Israel’s Iron Dome, and influence the course of the conflict in multiple theaters across the region.
Earlier statements from Israeli leadership framed the confrontation as a prolonged conflict. Reports from officials indicated that the war with Hamas could extend beyond immediate tactical aims and into a longer period of regional security challenges that many observers anticipate might extend into 2025. The evolving situation prompted international discussions about humanitarian pauses, hostage negotiations, and the broader implications for regional stability and civilian safety.