Fighters from Hamas, which controls Gaza, killed 1,200 people in a rampage into southern Israel and took 253 hostages, by Israeli tallies. The ensuing war has claimed more than 31,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s authorities, as well as obliterating infrastructure and causing widespread hunger.
Issa’s death, if confirmed, could also complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages, although Israel says talks are ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad said at the weekend that both sides were seeking to narrow gaps and reach agreements.
CEASEFIRE TALKS IN PERIL
Hamas blames Israel for refusing to give guarantees to end the war and withdraw troops. Israel wants a temporary truce to allow an exchange of hostages, but has said it will not stop its war until it has defeated Hamas.
Negotiators had wanted a halt in hostilities for Ramadan, which began on Monday.
But in the early hours, an Israeli air strike on a house in Gaza City killed 16 people and wounded several others, Palestinian health officials said.
The strike, around dawn in Zeitoun, one of Gaza City’s oldest neighbourhoods, hit the house of the Abu Shammala family, killing those inside, according to medics. There was no immediate Israeli comment on that strike.
In central Gaza, the Israeli military said its forces had killed around 15 militants in close combat and air strikes. Commandos in Khan Younis, where much of Israel’s military operation has been focused in recent weeks, targeted sites it said were used by Hamas militants, the military said.
Source: CNA
