The US has stepped up its efforts to help Israel track down the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, in a bid to stop a major war that could suck in global powers.
Specialist radar equipment has been sent to Gaza to be used to map out the tunnel networks used by Sinwar.
Officials believe killing the militant leader could allow Israel to claim victory and end its attacks on Gaza, which have left tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians dead.
Sinwar’s death could also eventually lead to an easing of tensions between Israel and both Iran and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.
An Israeli source said: “His death could hasten the end of war in Gaza and make a ceasefire and hostage deal possible.”
The Palestinian militant has been accused of masterminding the horrific attack on Israel last October, which left at least 1,200 people dead and resulted in more than 200 others being kidnapped.
The 61-year-old is believed to be hiding in a 300-mile network of tunnels in Gaza, as Israel’s military continues its campaign to destroy the militia.
Along with data from the Shin Bet intelligence agency, the US equipment will be used to provide greater detail of the underground labyrinth.
Sinwar is believed to be fast running out of options after numerous senior commanders were killed by the IDF and to be preparing to make his last stand in the tunnels.
The CIA has created a task force, while the Pentagon has sent special operations troops to support Israel’s hunt.
Tensions in the Middle East have been building since the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, and Hezbollah’s top military commander Fuad Shukr at the end of July. Israel said to have killed Shukr, but hasn’t publicly acknowledged his role in the killing of Haniyeh.
Both Iran and Hezbollah vowed to take their revenge, as fears grew of a major escalation in hostilities.
On Sunday, Hezbollah launched more than 300 Katyusha rockets and “a large number of drones” across the border into Israel.
The Iran-backed group said it targeted 11 military bases and barracks, and claimed its attack was a success.
The IDF said most of the rockets missed their mark. Prior to the attack, the IDF had launched a “pre-emptive” strike on Hezbollah that they claimed had destroyed thousands of rocket launchers.
Hezbollah’s leader has since suggested that his organisation has for the moment satisfied its thirst for revenge.
“We reserve our right to continue the response at a later point, but for now, the people can be at ease and carry on with their lives,” said Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.
