Israel Targets Hamas’ Civilian Leadership in Gaza, Uses Ramadan Pre-Dawn Meal as Cover for Attack

Watan-The Israeli occupation army launched airstrikes targeting infrastructure it claims belongs to Hamas, as well as government and municipal facilities in Gaza, in what is described as another phase of its war of extermination against the Palestinian territory. The attack, which aimed at eliminating Hamas’ civilian leadership, was designed to undermine the group’s ability to govern Gaza, and was strategically timed to coincide with the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) during Ramadan as a deceptive tactic to catch Hamas leaders off guard.

Netanyahu Pushes for a Shift in War Strategy

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, an Israeli official familiar with discussions in the Security Cabinet (War Cabinet) revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes Israel must shift its military strategy in Gaza, focusing not only on Hamas’ military leadership but also its civilian administration.

The Israeli government hopes that by targeting Hamas’ governance structures, it can weaken its hold on Gaza and create space for “armed gangs” and tribal groups to take control, thereby diminishing Hamas’ authority.

Intensified Attacks and Possible Ground Invasion

Haaretz also reported that the next phase of the war could involve even more intense airstrikes, along with a large-scale ground operation led by the newly appointed Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir.

During preparatory discussions, Zamir emphasized that such an operation would require multiple military divisions and a massive mobilization of reserve forces. However, this escalation comes at a time when there is no real national consensus among Israelis on the justification for returning to full-scale war in Gaza.

Israel Used Ramadan as a Tactical Advantage

According to Maariv, the Israeli military and Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency) orchestrated a deceptive operation in the early hours of Tuesday morning to inflict maximum casualties on Hamas members.

By analyzing Hamas leaders’ nighttime routines during Ramadan, Israeli intelligence identified locations where key figures were expected to gather for the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor). The Shin Bet and military intelligence compiled a list of these locations, enabling the Israeli Air Force to launch a surprise attack.

At exactly 2:20 AM, the order was given for dozens of Israeli fighter jets and drones to drop hundreds of bombs simultaneously on these identified targets.

The operation was personally overseen by:

• Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir
• Air Force Commander Tomer Bar
• Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar

Israeli intelligence sources confirmed that all designated targets were present at the locations before the attack commenced, ensuring maximum casualties among Hamas officials.