Middle East conflict: Israel ‘eliminates’ Hamas’ Political Bureau head Izz al-Din Kassab

The Israel Defense Forces on Friday said Hamas’ Political Bureau head Izz al-Din Kassab has been eliminated.

IDF said: “Kassab was a member of Hamas’ political bureau and was responsible for national relations within the organization, overseeing the coordination and connection between Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza.”

The Israeli defence organisation said: “Additionally, Kassab was responsible for the organisation’s strategic and military relations with other factions in Gaza. He held the authority to direct the execution of terrorist attacks against the State of Israel.”

Hamas has not confirmed the Israeli claim so far.

The elimination of the Hamas leader occurred amid heightened tension between Israel and Hezbollah.

The IDF said Hezbollah fired over 4400 projectiles towards Israel in October.

The Israeli force also said its personnel uncovered over 3,000 explosive devices, and found and dismantled 2,500 anti-tank missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades last month.

The IDF said their forces eliminated 1,500 terrorists since the beginning of the war.

It said a statue of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and a flag of the former German group was recovered from a civilian’s home in Lebanon.

“It’s no coincidence these were found in civilian homes exploited by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah’s goal has always been the same: annihilate Israel,” the IDF posted on X.