Who was Osama Tabash, Hamas intelligence chief killed by Israel in Gaza?

IDF said that Tabah's killing was a major setback to Hamas’s intelligence-gathering efforts and its ability to target Israeli forces in the region.

Updated on: Mar 22, 2025, 06:16:13 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Israeli military announced on Friday that it had killed Osama Tabash, the head of Hamas' military intelligence in southern Gaza, during an airstrike on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Osama Tabash (R) with slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar (L). (X-@manniefabian)

According to the military, Tabash also oversaw the group's surveillance and targeting operations. However, Hamas has not issued a response.

Tabash was a longtime Hamas member and a key figure in the group, described as a “significant source of knowledge.” He held several important positions, including battalion commander in Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade, according to a joint statement by the IDF and Shin Bet.

“Over the years, he was involved in terror activities and orchestrating attacks, including a 2005 suicide bombing at the Gush Katif junction in Gaza that killed Shin Bet coordinator Oded Sharon,” the Times of Israel quoted the joint statement as saying.

Tabash oversaw Hamas' intelligence operations in southern Gaza, coordinated activities in the region, and played a key role in shaping the group's combat strategy, the IDF and Shin Bet said.

The Israeli military also said that the surveillance and targeting unit, also led by Tabash, was responsible for gathering visual intelligence to identify targets for Hamas in both Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Osama Tabash's killing a ‘major blow’ to Hamas, says Israel

The IDF claimed that Tabash played a key role in planning and coordinating infiltration and targeting strategies for the October 7 attack.

During the war, his unit gathered intelligence, tracked Israeli military movements in Gaza, and directed attacks on IDF troops, the military said.

The IDF also said that his killing was a major setback to Hamas’s intelligence-gathering efforts and its ability to target Israeli forces in the region.

Israel's military offensive in Gaza has entered its fourth day, with ground forces expanding operations in both northern and southern parts of the enclave. Meanwhile, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has warned of further escalation.

Katz said on Friday that Israeli forces would “intensify” their campaign against Hamas and apply “all military and civilian pressure, including evacuation of the Gaza population south and implementing United States President Donald Trump’s voluntary migration plan for Gaza residents.”

With Reuters inputs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.