Israel: Hamas is Seeking a Replacement for Yahya Sinwar

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, stated on Sunday, February 18, that Hamas is looking for a replacement for Yahya Sinwar, the leader of this Iran-backed group in the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli Defense Minister, the fact that Hamas is refraining from trusting its commanders is 'very significant.' Mr. Gallant referred to the surrender of about 200 Palestinian militants hiding in Nasser and Amal hospitals to Israeli soldiers in recent days, stating that Hamas has lost its 'fighting spirit.' The Defense Minister added that his country's army is destroying the remaining six battalions of Hamas in central and southern Gaza, and the Islamic Republic cannot provide assistance to its proxy forces. Yoav Gallant emphasized that the war will not stop until the release of 134 hostages held by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also accused critics who urge Israel not to take military action in Rafah of weakening the country in its war against Hamas, adding that even if a ceasefire agreement is reached, the Israeli army will enter Rafah. Following Hamas's terrorist attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 240 others, Israel launched an offensive against Gaza aimed at destroying this Iran-backed Islamist group. Hamas officials have repeatedly emphasized that if able, they would carry out such an attack again. Without mentioning the number of its members killed as a result of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, Hamas claims that over 28,000 Palestinians living in Gaza have been killed so far. The Persian section of Voice of America cannot independently verify or confirm the statistics provided by Hamas. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. The Wall Street Journal: The U.S. intends to send a new shipment of weapons to Israel. Herzog urged Saudi Arabia to normalize its relations with Israel; this is a 'clear victory' against Hamas. The Israeli army: Dozens of 'terrorists' were arrested in Nasser hospital; attacks on positions in Lebanon and Syria. Antony Blinken: There is an 'extraordinary' opportunity for Israel's integration in the Middle East. The International Court of Justice rejected South Africa's request against Israel. Biden: 'My hope and expectation' is that an agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire will be reached.