Mystery after attack on Hamas "number two": Israel seeks to confirm death of Marwan Issa

The spokesperson for the Israeli Army, Daniel Hagari, informed the media about the uncertainty surrounding the alleged death of Marwan Issa, considered the "number two" of Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades. Following a targeted airstrike carried out in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities are seeking to confirm Issa's elimination, known as the "man of shadows" for his ability to remain hidden. Marwan Issa held the position of "number 3" in the Hamas hierarchy in the Gaza Strip, led by Yahya Sinwar, followed by Mohamed Deif. Israel considers these leaders responsible for the attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli territory on October 7, which triggered the current war and resulted in a death toll of over 1,200 and 253 hostages. The airstrike against the anti-aircraft complex in Nuseirat was carried out with the aim of eliminating Issa, who is believed to have played a central role in directing Hamas' military operations during the war. Although it is speculated that Razi Abu Tamaa, the commander responsible for overseeing the group's military capabilities, and other agents present in the building may have also died, a definitive confirmation has not yet been achieved due to the underground nature of the target. In parallel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has posted a message on social media proclaiming to be on the way to "total victory," referring to the elimination of Hamas leaders. Netanyahu mentioned the death of the "number four," Saleh al-Arouri, in an airstrike in Beirut in January, and expressed his determination to continue neutralizing the leaders of the Islamist group. Amidst the uncertainty and rumors, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the alleged "successes achieved in recent days" during a meeting with Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Meanwhile, both Israeli military intelligence and Hamas are in the process of verifying the situation of Marwan Issa and the other possible casualties in the attack in Nuseirat. Tension in the region persists as authorities seek to clarify the events and determine the effects of the operations carried out in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.