Vantage: Three big names still on Israel's Hamas hit list

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, three key figures have found themselves at the centre of Israel’s crosshairs. Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Mohammed Deif, commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and Marwan Issa, deputy leader of the same military wing, have become prime targets for Israel’s intelligence agencies.

Yahya Sinwar: Mastermind behind 7 October attacks Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is considered public enemy number one in Israel. He orchestrated the 7 October attacks that caught the Israeli security establishment off-guard. Sinwar, who has been in the Hamas leadership for decades, is known as “The Butcher from Khan Younis.” Israel has likened him to Osama bin Laden, emphasizing the severity of the threat he poses. In November 2023, Israel officially placed a target on Sinwar’s back, with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declaring him a “dead man walking.” Despite being a key player in Hamas’s military and political spheres, Sinwar has managed to stay out of the public eye for many years, facing global sanctions and being declared a terrorist by the US, France, and the UK. “One thing is clear. Yahya Sinwar now hears the IDF tractors above him, the Air Force bombs and the IDF’s action. He will also meet our gunners soon,” said Gallant. Mohammed Deif: The elusive commander Mohammed Deif, the second name on Israel’s hit list, serves as the commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. Deif is believed to be behind numerous suicide bombings, including the 7 October attacks. Described as one of the “two brains” behind the operation, Deif operates in secrecy and is known for his elusive nature. Stories about Deif include claims that he avoids using a smartphone and lost an eye in one of the attacks. Nicknamed “The Guest” he constantly changes locations to evade arrest, staying at the homes of different Hamas sympathizers. Deif’s responsibilities include overseeing the construction of Hamas’s tunnel network and enhancing the group’s bomb-making capabilities, making him a high-priority target for Israel. Marwan Issa: The Shadow Man Marwan Issa, the deputy leader of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, plays a crucial role as a coordinator between the military and political wings of Hamas. Referred to as the “Shadow Man,” Issa is less known than his counterparts but holds significance in planning incursions into Israel, including the 7 October attacks. Born in a refugee family, like Sinwar and Deif, Issa has spent time in Israeli prisons. If Israel successfully eliminates Sinwar and Deif, Issa is poised to take their place. The three men share common backgrounds, having faced previous attempts by Israel to neutralise them. As Israel continues its pursuit of Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Marwan Issa, these individuals remain at the forefront of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.