On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Israel resumed its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza with a series of airstrikes that killed several high-ranking officials of the terrorist group Hamas.
These individuals were not primarily involved in the group's military activities against Israel, but were key to maintaining Hamas's control over Gaza and subjugating its population.
Among the deceased were Mahmoud Abu Watfa, director of Hamas's Ministry of the Interior, and Bahajat Abu Sultan, leader of Hamas's internal security forces.
Entre los fallecidos se encuentra el terrorista Mahmoud Abu Watfa
These figures played crucial roles in managing internal affairs and in suppressing any dissent within Gaza. For example, Abu Watfa was responsible for ensuring internal stability, while Abu Sultan's security forces primarily focused on Palestinians, arresting and executing those considered a threat to Hamas.
Another important leader eliminated was Mohammad Al-Jamasi, identified by some as the head of the Hamas Emergency Committee, which managed governance during the war and coordinated the distribution of humanitarian aid, which was used by the terrorist group as sources of income.
The deaths of these individuals are seen as a weakening of Hamas's internal control, but the lack of a clear alternative authority in Gaza makes it unlikely that the Hamas regime will collapse.
In addition to these figures, other prominent members were also eliminated, such as Yasser Harb, Ahmad Al-Hattha, and Issam Al-Da’alis, all holding prominent positions within Hamas.
La falta de una clara autoridad en Gaza hace difícil la caída de Hamás
However, the precise influence of these individuals during the conflict remains uncertain. Hamas also reported the death of Salah al-Bardawil, a well-known figure in its political wing, although his role in the war had been significant since the October 7, 2023 attack against Israel.
The Israeli attacks focused on officials responsible for internal governance, rather than military commanders. Despite the initial success in killing several high-ranking figures, the pace of eliminations slowed after the first wave.
It is noteworthy that no key figures from Hamas's military wing have been named, who are the ones actively fighting against Israel. According to reports, Hamas's military leadership reorganized during a brief truce prior to the conflict.
Hamás también informó la muerte de un conocido portavoz de Hamás
Although the Israeli attacks have killed numerous members of Hamas's political structure, they have yet to eliminate key military commanders like Muhammad Shabana, head of Hamas's Rafah Brigade, or Mohammed Sinwar, who is believed to lead Hamas's operations in Gaza.
The military campaign continued with more attacks, including at least 19 Palestinian terrorists killed in Rafah on Sunday, among them a senior Hamas political leader.
The Israeli army also ordered the evacuation of civilians in southern Gaza, indicating possible ground operations in the Tel Sultan area. However, the situation in Gaza remains volatile, with a high number of casualties as the Israeli offensive continues.
Israel mató a 19 terroristas de Hamás en Rafah
Hamas's internal structures have been significantly affected by the Israeli attacks, but the group's central military leadership and its ability to sustain the war effort remain intact.
Although the military campaign against Hamas has shown significant advances, Israel has yet to achieve a decisive victory over the group's military apparatus. As the conflict continues, Israel's initial advantage of surprise has diminished, and the prospect of eliminating key figures becomes increasingly difficult.
Overall, while the elimination of Hamas figures may weaken the group's internal control over Gaza, the lack of an alternative authority means that the political and humanitarian situation remains unstable.
Hamás utiliza la ayuda humanitaria enviada como fuente de financiación para la guerra y otros fines terroristas
