As the current four-day ceasefire unfolds between Hamas and Israel, recent reports suggest that the Israeli government has instructed its intelligence agency, Mossad, to target senior Hamas leaders despite the ongoing peace talks.
While two groups of hostages were released over the weekend, the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated unequivocally that figures such as Ismail Haniyeh, Khaled Mashal, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif are considered targets.
Notably, there is no guarantee of immunity for Hamas leaders during or after the ceasefire, according to IANS sources within the Israeli government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has assured Qatar that these leaders will not be targeted on Qatari soil, a condition crucial for Qatar's involvement in mediation efforts.
Among the Hamas leaders in Israel's crosshairs is Khalil al-Hayya, a key Politburo member and second-in-command in military operations after Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. Israel is also eyeing him for his role in the October 7 events that led to the current conflict in southern Israel.
As the ceasefire enters its third day, the question arises: will Israel agree to extend the truce, or will military ground invasions resume after Monday? Sources within Israel, privy to the ongoing discussions, suggest that both sides have tentatively agreed to extend the ceasefire for additional days and facilitate the release of individuals from both parties.
(With agency inputs)
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