IDF Eliminates Senior Hamas Commanders in Gaza and Jenin Amid Ongoing Counterterrorism Operations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have continued a series of targeted killings against senior Hamas operatives in Gaza and the West Bank. On Saturday, the IDF struck a Hamas commander in the Deir al-Balah area of central Gaza, who had recently been involved in planning terrorist activities and rebuilding the group's military capabilities. The commander was reportedly hiding near the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, highlighting Hamas's tactic of embedding militants within humanitarian facilities. The IDF took precautions to minimize civilian casualties, including precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

Additionally, the IDF revealed that on Friday, two other Hamas militants were killed in northern Gaza. These included Hani Abd al-Hai Fakhri Mazlum, the commander of the Nukhba unit, and Hassan Zidan Hassan Diri, a sniper. Both were involved in arms trafficking and facilitating attacks against Israeli forces and civilians, violating the ceasefire agreement.

Simultaneously, in Jenin, a joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet, and the naval command resulted in the killing of Qais Bitawi, a senior Hamas operative, along with two aides. Bitawi was implicated in orchestrating significant terrorist activities, including funding and executing attacks against Israelis, and maintained connections with Hamas elements in Gaza and abroad. The strike was carried out by an air force drone targeting the vehicle carrying the three militants, which was found to contain weapons.

The IDF emphasized that these operations were conducted in response to immediate threats and ongoing attempts by Hamas to restore and enhance their terrorist capabilities. The Southern Command forces remain deployed in the area under existing agreements, with the military affirming its commitment to neutralizing any imminent dangers to Israeli security.