Hamas and Israel silent on fate of commander announced dead by US

Hamas and Israel have remained silent on the fate of a senior military figure of the Palestinian group after his alleged death was unusually announced by the United States.

During a press conference on Monday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said: “Israel has made significant progress against Hamas… Hamas’ number three, Marwan Issa, was killed in an operation last week.” 

While Israel has acknowledged an attempted assassination of Issa, it has stopped short of confirming his death. 

Unnamed Israeli officials told Yediot Ahronot following Sullivan’s remarks that they were still "not 100 percent sure" Issa had been killed. 

The officials said they believed his death was "very likely" but preferred to be cautious. 

Hamas has not officially commented on the reported strike against Issa, which the Israeli military says took place between 10-11 March in the central Gaza Strip's Nuseirat refugee camp.

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