The head of the Hamas government in Gaza was among three killed in airstrikes three months ago, the Israel Defense Forces said in a post on X Thursday. "Approximately 3 months ago, in a joint IDF and ISA strike in Gaza, the following terrorists were eliminated: Rawhi Mushtaha, the Head of the Hamas government in Gaza; Sameh al-Siraj, who held the security portfolio on Hamas' political bureau and Hamas' Labor Committee; Sami Oudeh, Commander of Hamas' General Security Mechanism," the IDF wrote.
"IAF fighter jets struck and eliminated the terrorists while they were hiding in a fortified and equipped underground compound in northern Gaza. The compound served as a Hamas command and control center and enabled senior operatives to remain inside of it for extended periods of time," the post added.
Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates
"The IDF will continue to pursue all of the terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre and will operate against anyone who threatens the State of Israel."
Israel Kills 6 In New Hezbollah Strikes
At least six people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut early Thursday, according to Lebanese health officials. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed it was conducting a "targeted" attack in the capital. The IDF's attack comes after Iran launched a barrage of missiles on Israel on Tuesday night.
According to a Times of Israel report, the target was an apartment building in the Bashoura neighbourhood, near parliament, marking the closest Israeli strikes to Lebanon’s seat of government.
This attack also marks the second time Israel has targeted central Beirut this week. Images from the scene revealed a heavily damaged building with a fire on one of the lower floors.
Multiple strikes were also reported in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh, where the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings. However, the central Beirut area that was targeted was not included in those warnings. The IDF confirmed that military operations were underway in Beirut, stating that further details would be provided later.
US Proposes 21-Day Ceasefire Plan
Amid rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon, the United States, along with its allies, has proposed a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. This initiative aims to prevent further escalation of conflict and provide an opportunity for diplomatic efforts, both in that region and in Gaza. The ceasefire proposal followed a meeting between US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron during the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
But, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu had rejected the proposal saying that the military will continue to fight with "full force". "We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force. And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes." said Netanyahu.