Last week, Israel carried out an airstrike that resulted in the death of the No. 3 commander of Hamas, as reported by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Jake Sullivan informed reporters on Monday. Sullivan spoke with reporters on Monday.
Sullivan stated that Israel has made significant progress in fighting against Hamas, breaking many of their battalions and killing a large number of their fighters, including top commanders. He mentioned that Marwan Issa, Hamas's third in command, was killed in an Israeli operation last week and added that the remaining leaders are likely hiding in the Hamas tunnel network.
Last week, the Israel Defense Forces claimed that Issa, the deputy of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military division, helped organize the attack against Israel on Oct. 7.
Sullivan's remarks came as he conveyed a call earlier on Monday between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they discussed Israel’s plans for Rafah.
During the call, Netanyahu agreed to send senior officials to Washington, D.C., this week to discuss potential military plans in Rafah, following weeks of mounting tensions over Israel’s actions in its war in Gaza.
Israel has signaled that it will soon carry out a major operation in the city of Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinian civilians have sought refuge since the beginning of the war in October. Rafah is also the main point of entry for humanitarian aid into Gaza from Egypt and Israel.
However, U.S. officials have cautioned Israel against launching a significant attack on the area.
Sullivan said, “The president explained his deep concerns about the possibility of Israel conducting major military operations in Rafah.
Biden emphasized the importance of having a coherent and sustainable strategy to defeat Hamas, according to Sullivan.
