IDF Continues Airstrikes on Hamas Targets Gaza Amid Leadership Uncertainty

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are intensifying their campaign against Hamas, emphasizing the dual objectives of dismantling the Hamas regime and securing the release of hostages, as articulated by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The military has conducted extensive strikes on Hamas targets, including high-rise buildings used for military purposes in Gaza City, and has carried out operations beyond Gaza, such as a targeted strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. Several top Hamas figures, including Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, have been killed in Israeli strikes, while others like Khalil al-Hayya remain active leaders, though reports about casualties among senior Hamas officials in Qatar are conflicting. Israel's campaign has also extended to allied groups such as Hezbollah and Iranian military personnel, with key commanders eliminated in targeted operations. Israeli military personnel involved in these operations express the psychological burden of warfare, particularly regarding civilian casualties, but emphasize their commitment to precision and minimizing harm. This multi-front conflict is seen by Israeli leadership as a defining and long-term struggle shaping regional power dynamics.