Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of the Hamas government in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike along with two other militants, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on X. This strike occurred approximately three months ago. The IDF confirmed that Mushtaha, Sameh al-Siraj—who held the security portfolio on Hamas' political bureau—and Sami Oudeh, the commander of Hamas' General Security Mechanism, were all eliminated in this operation.

Profile of Rawhi Mushtaha

Rawhi Mushtaha was a key figure in Hamas, playing a vital role in managing civil governance in the Gaza Strip, especially during times of conflict. As a senior leader, he oversaw the organization’s civil affairs, which were crucial for maintaining Hamas' control over administrative functions in the territory.

Mushtaha was closely associated with Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' leader, who was directly involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. They shared a long history, having co-founded Hamas' General Security Services. Beyond governance, Mushtaha led Hamas' Political Bureau in Gaza, managing civil and financial operations. He previously oversaw the finance portfolio, which involved significant financial dealings in northern Gaza. Additionally, he was responsible for the Prisoners Affairs Portfolio, underscoring his influence within Hamas.

Mushtaha's impact extended beyond the Gaza Strip. He played a crucial role in developing Hamas' internal security organization, Al-Majd, which specialized in counter-espionage to protect the group from external threats. His involvement with Hamas began in 1987 when he co-founded its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. This military background informed his later responsibilities in security and governance.

In 1988, Mushtaha was arrested by Israeli forces but was released in 2011 during the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, indicating his significance to Hamas. In 2015, the US Department of State labeled him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. He also played a key role in coordinating Hamas' relations with Egyptian security officials, particularly in managing the Rafah border crossing, an essential gateway for Gaza’s interaction with the outside world.

What Does Nasrallah’s Assassination Mean for Iran and Hezbollah's Future?

WATCH: Iran Fires Massive Missile Barrage at Israel, Escalating Tensions in the Region

How Israel Starts Ground Offensive Against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon