The three leaders were killed in northern Gaza "about three months ago", according to Israel's military. It is not clear why the deaths are being announced only now.
One of the killed men, Rawhi Mushtaha, was close to the wanted Yahya Sinwar when they were imprisoned together in Israel for many years. Israel describes Mushtaha as Sinwar's "right-hand man and one of his closest associates". He has also been reported to be one of the main figures behind the attacks on Israel on October 7 last year.
Israel's target
Yahya Sinwar is held responsible for the October 7 attacks. He is still believed to be in hiding, while several of his leadership colleagues have been killed. The Israeli government considers it a crucial war goal to kill or capture Sinwar.
Another of the three killed persons is Sami al-Siraj, who sat on Hamas' highest political council and in the highest governing body in Gaza.
The third was Sami Oudeh, a high-ranking figure within Hamas' intelligence agency.
Hamas has not said anything about these three persons being killed.
Localized bunker
According to Israel, it happened in a targeted air strike against a bunker in northern Gaza, which they identified through special intelligence.
"The facility served as a command center and a leadership hub for Hamas, making it possible for senior members to stay there for longer periods", the Israeli military announces, adding that it was also a "hideout for Hamas leadership, under the leadership of Mushtaha".
The deaths have, according to Israeli claims, been kept quiet on Hamas' side, among other things, so as not to affect the fighting spirit in their leadership.
