Deadly encounter confirms slaying of Hamas wing's public representative by Israeli forces

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, significant developments have emerged over the past 23 months.

Israeli operations have resulted in the elimination of key Hamas figures, including Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief, Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's armed wing, and numerous commanders and political figures. This has undoubtedly weakened Hamas's leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Abu Obeida, a senior Hamas figure, was targeted in a strike, and the Israeli military confirmed his killing.

However, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, remains at large and has been accused by Israel of masterminding the 2023 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Hamas has yet to comment on the killing of Abu Obeida, whose real name is Hudaifa al-Kahlut.

Israel's military chief, Eyal Zamir, has promised to continue targeting Hamas's leadership, most of which is said to be abroad. The majority of high-ranking Hamas officials killed by Israel in the past 23 months currently live in exile primarily in Qatar and Turkey.

As the Israeli forces prepare for an offensive to seize Gaza City, the largest urban center in the Palestinian territory, concerns about civilian casualties and displacement are rising. Nearly a million people currently live in Gaza City and its surroundings, where famine has been declared. Over two million Gaza Strip residents have been displaced at least once during the ongoing war.

Smoke was seen drifting into the sky above Gaza City on Sunday, and residents inspected damage from overnight strikes. Reports suggest that Israeli strikes and gunfire across Gaza on Sunday killed at least 63 people, 24 of whom were near aid distribution sites. The Israeli military has not commented on other reported incidents in Gaza.

The Israeli military claims it seeks to eradicate Hamas and return hostages seized by Palestinian militants. However, of the 251 hostages seized during Hamas's 2023 attack, 47 are still being held in Gaza, including 25 the military says are dead. A campaign group, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, warned against expanding military operations, fearing it could jeopardize the lives of the remaining captives.

Iman Rajab, a resident of a displacement camp near Gaza City, expressed fear due to overnight Israeli strikes and the difficulty in sleeping in tents. The Israeli military has not confirmed any casualties from its fire "adjacent to a humanitarian aid distribution point in central Gaza".

As the conflict continues, both sides face challenges and humanitarian concerns. The international community is urged to intervene to ensure the safety of civilians and the return of hostages.