Israel Eliminates Hamas Rafah Brigade Commander in Drone Strike

The Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency announced Tuesday the elimination of the Hamas commander of the Rafah Brigade in southern Gaza via a drone strike. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed the strike, stating the targeted individual had advanced terror plots against IDF forces. He had assumed command of the Rafah Brigade in May of last year, succeeding Mohammed Shebana, who was killed at the time. Prior to leading the brigade, the commander held various positions within Hamas, including deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade and commander of the Tal Sultan and Yabna battalions. He was considered a central figure among Hamas leadership, responsible for managing and directing the brigade's operatives in executing terror attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. His efforts also focused on rebuilding the brigade's capabilities, which had been significantly degraded during the war. The operation was led by the Southern Command.

Gallant stated following the strike, "The IDF and Shin Bet eliminated the commander of the Rafah Brigade tonight, who advanced terror plots against our forces." He reiterated the policy of eliminating terrorists and threats while avoiding civilian casualties, contrasting this with what he termed a "blood libel" against IDF soldiers. Gallant emphasized that "no terrorist is immune and Hamas will not be in Gaza."

This assassination follows a series of targeted killings against Hamas leadership in recent days. Last Thursday, Mohammed Yazouri, the commander of Hamas's Khan Younis Brigade, along with a company commander and another operative, were killed in Al-Mawasi. Yazouri had also been working to restore his brigade's strength and had promoted numerous terror plots against IDF forces. The military pressure continued overnight with the elimination of Ahmed Batsch, commander of the Jabalia Battalion, who managed the weaponry systems in the northern Strip and systematically violated ceasefires to rebuild the organization's capabilities. Additionally, over the weekend, Mohsen Abu Dhaif, head of an Islamic Jihad rocket cell who participated in the October 7th massacre at Kibbutz Kissufim, was killed in Khan Younis. The IDF and Shin Bet reported that precise munitions were used in these strikes and measures were taken to minimize civilian harm.