Hamas Confirms Death of Marwan Issa, Deputy Commander of Its Military Wing, Behind Closed Doors

Hamas has confirmed the death of Marwan Issa, the deputy to Muhammad Deif, commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, behind closed doors. Israeli state media 'Kan News' reported on Sunday, March 18, citing 'Palestinian sources,' that Marwan Issa was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza Strip in recent days. According to these sources, he was killed while hiding in one of Hamas's tunnels in the camp, and his body is buried under the rubble. The 'Kan News' report also confirmed the death of another Hamas military commander named Razi Abutameh during the same attack. Last week, the Israeli army announced that it was investigating reports about the possible death of Marwan Issa due to the airstrike on Saturday night. The Israeli army confirmed that no Israeli hostages were near the attack site. The Jerusalem Post quoted an intelligence expert named Avi Melamed, stating that before such an attack, it must be confirmed that there are no Israeli hostages being used as 'human shields.' Thus, Marwan Issa is the highest-ranking Hamas official killed during Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip aimed at destroying this Islamist group. Marwan Issa, along with Muhammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas's political bureau in Gaza, who were among the planners of the October 7 terrorist attack, are at the top of Israel's wanted list. Following the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of over 250 others, Israel began its invasion of Gaza with the aim of destroying this Islamist group supported by the Islamic Republic. This invasion has displaced the majority of the 2.3 million population of Gaza, who urgently need food and other essentials. Despite the devastating consequences of Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel, officials of this Islamist group have repeatedly emphasized that they will carry out similar attacks if possible. Hamas, without mentioning the number of its members killed as a result of the Israeli invasion of Gaza, claims that nearly 32,000 Palestinians living in Gaza have been killed and about 73,000 others injured. The Persian section of Voice of America cannot independently verify or confirm the statistics provided by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel has repeatedly emphasized that Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Israeli Prime Minister: There is no way left until the complete destruction of the 'terrorist' group Hamas. Houthis confirmed a meeting with Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Beirut. Egypt: Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume. The President of Cyprus: The second shipment of maritime aid is ready to be sent to Gaza. Palestinian sources: Senior Hamas and Houthi officials met to coordinate 'actions against Israel.' Israeli Defense Minister: Administration of Gaza by groups affiliated with the Palestinian Authority is the least desirable option. Israel attributed the attack on Palestinian civilians in line for aid to 'armed Palestinian men.'