In a major blow to Hamas’ leadership, the IDF and Shin Bet have eliminated Ismail Barhoum, a senior political bureau member and the newly appointed “prime minister” of Gaza, in a precision strike near Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Barhoum was responsible for Hamas’ financial operations and replaced the previously eliminated Issam Da’alis just days ago.
According to official IDF reports, the strike was carried out after extensive intelligence gathering and executed with pinpoint weaponry designed to minimize collateral damage. Barhoum had been hiding inside a civilian hospital—yet another example of Hamas’ cynical exploitation of humanitarian infrastructure to shield its terror command.
“I commend the IDF and Shin Bet for eliminating Barhoum,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz. “This is a direct blow to Hamas’ leadership and financial command structure.”
Hamas Confirms: Barhoum is Dead
In an unusually swift acknowledgment, Hamas confirmed Barhoum’s death, marking the fifth senior political leader killed in Gaza in just the past week. Footage circulating online shows the moment a precision drone entered the hospital’s second floor and detonated inside the room where Barhoum was being treated following injuries from a prior IDF strike.
His death is a severe disruption to Hamas’ command and control, as Barhoum was deeply involved in the terror group’s financing, money laundering networks, and foreign coordination with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Why Was a Terror Leader Hiding in a Hospital?
This incident again exposes Hamas’ systematic use of hospitals and civilian sites as terror sanctuaries. By embedding commanders inside medical facilities, Hamas endangers the lives of Palestinian civilians while attempting to deter legitimate Israeli counterterrorism operations.
“The use of an active hospital as a terror hideout is a flagrant violation of international law,” the IDF stated. “Hamas has turned medical facilities into command posts and rocket depots.”
Israel took extensive precautions before the strike, including verifying Barhoum’s exact location and selecting munitions to contain the blast radius.
Precision and Purpose
This operation reflects the continued evolution of Israel’s doctrine of surgical warfare: eliminating top terror leaders with maximum precision and minimal civilian harm. While the world debates ceasefires and negotiations, Israel is executing a clear plan—decapitate Hamas’ leadership, dismantle its infrastructure, and protect Israeli citizens from future atrocities.
With Barhoum’s elimination, Hamas’ leadership in Gaza is in freefall. No bunker, hospital, or tunnel will protect those who orchestrate the murder of innocent Israelis.
