Israel Defense Forces (IDF) , announced the elimination of Izz al-Din Kassab, Head of National Relations in Hamas’ Political Bureau. IDF said that Kassab played a significant role in overseeing connections between Hamas and other terrorist organisations in Gaza, as well as directing strategic and military relations with other factions in the region. Reportedly, Kassab was one of the last high-ranking members of Hamas’ political bureau remaining alive in the Gaza Strip.

IDF shared the post on X and wrote, “ELIMINATED: Izz al-Din Kassab, Head of National Relations in Hamas’ Political Bureau. 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.”

It further said, “Additionally, Kassab was responsible for the organization’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.”

Notably, this development comes amid escalated tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter firing over 4,400 projectiles toward Israel in the past month. Israel has been carrying operations against Hezbollah, Hamas and have eliminated several members of both the organisations.

Israel Said ‘Our Mission Is Not Over’

DF had killed Hamas Chief and one of the masterminds behind the deadly October 7 attacks last year, Yahya Sinwar on 17 October. IDF Spokesperson Rear admiral Daniel Hagari said, “Killing Sinwar is the result of a year of operational and intelligence efforts to bring him and other Hamas leaders to justice. Sinwar has been eliminated, but our mission is not over.”

Israel has been actively carrying out operations against Hamas and Hezbollah. IDF on Friday had said that Hezbollah had fired over 4,400 projectiles toward Israel in the past month. The IDF also stated that they uncovered over 3,000 explosive devices, and found and dismantled 2,500 anti-tank missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) in the last month.

The IDF further added that they have eliminated over 1,500 terrorists since the beginning of the war. In a post on X, the IDF posted “1 month recap of limited, localized & targeted IDF operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.”