Israeli Forces Kill Two Senior Hamas Gunmen in Khan Yunis, Gaza

Israeli military and Shin Bet intelligence forces recently conducted targeted strikes in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, eliminating two senior Hamas gunmen affiliated with the Nukhba unit. The operations took place over the past week, with the first strike on Sunday killing Hazem Mousa, and a second strike on Monday killing Razek Suhail Suleiman Abu Shakhma. Both militants had participated in the October 7 massacre at Re'im military camp and were considered high-priority targets due to their ongoing threat to Israeli forces and civilians.

Abu Shakhma also served as the bodyguard to Yahya Sinwar, the senior Hamas leader who was killed in October during a joint Israeli operation. Israeli officials stated that these militants were actively involved in planning terror attacks and efforts to rebuild Hamas's military capabilities, violating the ceasefire. The strikes aimed to neutralize immediate threats posed by these operatives.

These killings are part of a series of recent Israeli operations targeting Hamas militants in Gaza, including the elimination of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander and a Hamas platoon leader involved in tunnel reconstruction. The Israeli military emphasized its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire while acting decisively against any terror threats. Documents seized in Gaza revealed Sinwar's long-term plans to establish an independent military force in Lebanon as part of a multi-front strategy.

The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that forces under Southern Command remain deployed in the area to address any immediate threats and will continue operations against militants attempting to advance terror activities or restore Hamas's military strength, while striving to protect the civilian population.