Israeli military says it killed senior Hamas leader Rawhi Mushtaha, one of main conspirators behind October 7 terror attacks, in Gaza

The Israeli army has confirmed its forces killed a senior Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip three months ago. 

Rawhi Mushtaha was the most senior of three commanders from the Islamist militant group killed in the attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

Israel struck a fortified underground compound in northern Gaza that served as a control center while the three were in the bunker, according to the IDF.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas, although there had been rumors of Mushtaha's death for months.

Mushtaha is believed to have co-founded Hamas' armed wing and is said to be one of the main conspirators behind the October 7 terror attacks.

In 2015, the United States listed Mushtaha as a "specially designated global terrorist." The United States, Israel, Germany and several other countries classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Qatari emir says 'what is happening is genocide'

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has condemned Israel's strikes on Lebanon and called the conflict in the region a "collective genocide." 

"It has become crystal clear that what is happening is genocide, in addition to turning the Gaza Strip into an area unfit for human habitation, in preparation for displacement," he said during the Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit in Doha on Thursday.

He also condemned Israel's airstrikes and military operations "against the brotherly Lebanese Republic."

Israel, which is facing accusations of genocide in a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has strongly objected to the allegations of war crimes and maintains that its actions are in self defense following Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed some 1,200 people and saw about 240 more taken hostage.

Over 41,500 people have been killed in the war in Gaza, according to health authorities in the Hamas-ruled territory.

Qatar, alongside the US and Egypt, have played a key role in mediating talks for a hostage deal and cease-fire in Gaza.

Houthis say they targeted central Israel with drones

Yemen's Houthi rebel group said it targeted the Israeli city of Tel Aviv with overnight drone strikes. 

The spokesperson for the Iran-backed group claimed the attack "achieved its goals successfully by the arrival of the drones without being detected or shot down by the enemy."

However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The Israeli military said it shot down two drones over the sea in central Israel and that a third one landed in an "open area."

Israel did not name the source of the drones.