Israel Strikes Hamas, Islamic Jihad Commanders; Iran Nuclear Concerns Rise

The Israeli military (IDF) announced the elimination of several Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza. Among those killed were Ahmed Batash, commander of Hamas's Jabalia battalion, and Rafat Abu Zamar and Muhammad Khader Fahmi Aghour, both Hamas cadres involved in preparing attacks and restoring the group's capabilities. The IDF stated that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties during these strikes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement, asserting, "Our message is clear: no terrorist is safe and Hamas will not be in Gaza." They commended the IDF and Shin Bet for their determination in eliminating threats and protecting Israeli citizens.

Separately, Moshe Edri, chairman of the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission, warned at an IAEA conference that over nine tons of Iranian nuclear material are outside the agency's control, a quantity equivalent to more than ten atomic bombs. Edri emphasized that Israel cannot ignore Iran's threats to destroy the state and will act to ensure its survival.

In other developments, Israel's ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, suggested that Kuwait might join the Abraham Accords within four to six months. He also described potential Israeli aid to Saudi Arabia in its conflict with the Houthis as an "opportunity."

International alerts were issued by the UK, US, and Netherlands regarding Iranian spyware targeting dissidents and journalists. Additionally, Saudi Arabia briefly raised alerts in Mecca and Jeddah due to potential attacks, following recent Houthi missile and drone strikes. Qatar warned that any closure of the Bab el-Mandeb strait would be "catastrophic for the entire world."