IDF Confirms Elimination of Senior Hamas Official Ruhi Mashtaha
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced today that Ruhi Mashtaha, the head of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip, was eliminated in a targeted airstrike approximately three months ago. Mashtaha, known for his close ties to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was killed alongside two other senior Hamas officials, Sameh Alsarj and Sami Odeh, in a joint operation involving the IDF and Shin Bet.
Mashtaha was a significant figure within Hamas, having been involved in the organization since its early days. He played a crucial role in establishing the Al-Majd mechanism, which was responsible for eliminating suspected collaborators with Israel. His long history with Hamas included a life sentence in Israeli prison until his release in the 2011 Shalit deal, which also freed Sinwar. Following his release, he was elected to the Political Bureau in Gaza, where he oversaw financial matters and the prisoner file, earning a spot on the U.S. list of wanted terrorists.
The attack that led to Mashtaha's death targeted a fortified underground complex in northern Gaza, where senior Hamas officials were known to congregate. The IDF indicated that this complex served as a command center for Hamas operations, allowing for extended stays by top leaders. Despite the elimination of these key figures, Hamas has remained tight-lipped about the incident, likely to prevent a morale crisis within its ranks.
In the lead-up to the recent conflict, Mashtaha had warned mediators of potential unrest due to the treatment of prisoners, emphasizing Hamas's commitment to advocating for their release. His elimination marks a significant blow to Hamas's leadership structure, as he was considered a central figure in both the political and military strategies of the organization. With seven members of Hamas's political bureau confirmed eliminated, the ongoing conflict continues to reshape the power dynamics within the group.
