Israel says killing Hamas intelligence chief in southern Gaza strike

The Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency said on Friday that an intelligence-led strike on Thursday had eliminated Osama Tabash, head of Hamas' military intelligence in southern Gaza.

The joint statement said Tabash was also in charge of Hamas' surveillance and targeting unit. There was no immediate response from Hamas on the claim.

Israel resumed strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after a ceasefire with Hamas that began on Jan. 19 unraveled. Israeli troops subsequently launched ground operations in southern, northern, and central Gaza.

Since the resumption of airstrikes, Israel has killed several senior Hamas officials, including Issam al-Daalis, a member of Hamas' political bureau and head of the Government Follow-up Committee in Gaza.

The Civil Defense in Gaza said at least 11 people were killed in Friday's airstrikes, with the overall death toll from the renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza potentially exceeding 600, in addition to more than 1,000 wounded.