The Head of Hamas’ Operations Department in Lebanon, Muhammed Shaheen, was eliminated in a precise IAF strike in the area of Sidon earlier today.
Shaheen was eliminated after recently planning terror attacks, directed and funded by Iran, and was a significant source of knowledge, responsible throughout the war for various terror attacks against Israeli civilians.
This is the highest profile targeted killing against Hamas carried out by the IDF since the current ceasefire went into effect. There has been some question as to whether the ceasefire is in the process of breaking down as Hamas is already threatening once again not returning this weekend’s hostages. Hamas claims Israel’s prevention of caravans and heavy machinery from entering the strip breaks the deal.
Today’s targeted killing may be the final crack that ends the hostage for surrender deal that phase two portends to be. Despite Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff’s proclamation that there will certainly be a phase two, the administration itself is against moving to a phase that ensures Hamas’ survival.
So what’s the truth? Will Trump and Netanyahu finally rain hell on Hamas? The answer is yes and that hell appears to be coming soon. Hamas and Islamic Jihad will ultimately be destroyed. Trump knows that without their destruction and full military control under the IDF, Gaza’s population will never be freed from their perpetual delusion that Israel’s eradication is around the corner. When they realize that Israel’s occupation of Gaza will continue until the consortium Trump envisions ruling Gaza is in place, the Gazans will leave to reestablish themselves elsewhere.
Will the ceasefire collapse before phase two? That is up to Hamas, but one thing is for sure – their end is near.