Israeli Security Apparatus Divided Over Doha Strike as Gaza Toll Mounts; At Least 11 Killed Overnight
Doha, Qatar/Gaza City – A planned Mossad operation targeting Hamas leaders in Doha was reportedly refused by Israeli security officials, opting rather for an airstrike that hamas claims failed to kill top commanders, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision reflects internal dissent within the Israeli security establishment regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive, especially given the Hamas leaders were meeting in Qatar to discuss a potential hostage release deal proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israel launched the strike, deploying 15 combat jets that fired 10 missiles, but Hamas stated no senior figures, including interim leader Khalil al-Hayya, were killed.
The internal debate underscores the complexities of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas, even as the conflict nears its second anniversary and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. Former israeli army chief Herzi Halevi recently confirmed that over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured in Gaza since the start of the war, stating that military operations were “not even once” hindered by legal considerations. Halevi, who resigned in March after leading the Israeli Defense Forces for the first 17 months of the conflict, made the statement at a gathering in the Moshav of Ein Habesor, as reported by Ynet.
This estimate aligns closely with figures provided by the Gaza Ministry of Health, which Israeli officials have frequently dismissed as Hamas propaganda, despite being considered reliable by international humanitarian agencies. “This is not a kind war. We removed the gloves from the first minute.unluckily not before,” Halevi said, implying a desire for a more forceful approach prior to the October 7th Hamas attack.
Current figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health report 64,718 Palestinians killed and 163,859 injured since the war began on October 7, 2023. Authorities fear the actual death toll is significantly higher, with thousands of bodies believed to be trapped under rubble. At least 40 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Friday, primarily around Gaza City. While the Ministry’s statistics do not differentiate between civilians and fighters, leaked Israeli military intelligence data suggests over 80% of those killed have been civilians. Reports indicate at least 11 Palestinians were killed by dawn today in gaza.
