IDF and Shin Bet Eliminate Hamas's Rafah Brigade Commander in Gaza City Strike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency announced Tuesday night the elimination of senior Hamas official Na'el Abu Abed in a vehicle strike in western Gaza City. Abu Abed served as the commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade and headed the military wing's operations system.

He was appointed to his position after the previous commander, Mohammed Shehadeh, was killed. Prior to that, Abu Abed held several roles within the brigade, including deputy commander and commander of the Tal Sultan and Yabna battalions. He was considered a central figure among Hamas leadership.

In his capacity, Abu Abed was responsible for directing the brigade's operatives and planning terror attacks against IDF forces and Israeli civilians. He also worked to rebuild the brigade's operational strength, which had been severely impacted during the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "No terrorist is immune, and Hamas will not be in Gaza." Defense Minister Yoav Gallant added, "The policy that the Prime Minister and I are leading, and that the IDF is carrying out in the most professional and appropriate manner, is clear: we eliminate terrorists and remove threats, and do not attack civilians and uninvolved individuals, and this is contrary to the blood libel fabricated by the creators of the 'Nezar' film against our heroic soldiers. No terrorist is immune, and Hamas will not be in Gaza."

Security forces are deployed in the area and will continue to operate to neutralize any immediate threats.