The Israeli army (IDF) claimed responsibility for the assassination of Abdul Fattah Al-Zeriei, Gaza’s deputy minister for economy, in a Sunday airstrike that also killed his mother.
They stated Al-Zeriei was an operative in Hamas’ Manufacturing Department and responsible for distributing fuel, gas, and funds for hostile activities.
The Gaza Media Office confirmed the airstrike in Deir al-Balah resulted in Al-Zeriei and his mother’s deaths. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign has targeted and killed many officials in Gaza, The Guardian reported.
Last week, Iran and Hamas accused Israel of assassinating Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, in Tehran. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied this, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at involvement, The Guardian reported.
Israel has faced international condemnation and accusations of genocide amid its ongoing offensive in Gaza. Nearly 39,600 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, with almost 91,400 injured. Gaza remains in ruins under a severe blockade.
The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians sought refuge before it was invaded on May 6, The Guardian reported.
