IDF tries to eliminate Hamas battalion commander Haitham al-Sheikh

The IDF launched a strike aimed at eliminating the commander of Hamas' Shejaiya battalion, Haitham al-Sheikh, earlier today (Wednesday). His fate remains unknown.

According to Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh, this is the third Shuja'iyya battalion commander eliminated during the war, following Jamil Wadiya, who was eliminated last month, and the first commander, Wissam Farhat, who was eliminated in the early months of the war.

The IDF has been steadily expanding its control of the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire ended. According to reports in the Israeli media, it now has control of about 40% of the Strip and is seeking to consolidate those gains. This comes especially in the wake of the establishment of the Morag Corridor, which cuts off Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip.

Israelis are sharply divided on whether current military pressure is aiding hostage negotiations, or whether it would be better to agree to all of Hamas' demands in exchange for a complete release of all the hostages.

Hamas, meanwhile, has refused to agree to any deal which does not involve a complete end to the war and withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, as well as continued Hamas control of the Gaza Strip as international aid rebuilds it.