IDF Eliminates Hamas Commander in Rafah and Other Militants

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency announced on September 15 that they eliminated Na'el Abu Obeid, a Hamas commander in Rafah and head of its operational staff, in southern Gaza. Abu Obeid had been appointed to this role following the elimination of Mohammad Sabaneh. Previously, he served in various capacities within the Rafah brigade, including deputy commander and commander of the Tel es-Sultan and Yabna battalions. The IDF described Abu Obeid as a key figure in Hamas leadership, responsible for directing militants into combat against IDF soldiers and for rebuilding the brigade's military capabilities, which had been significantly degraded during the war.

The IDF stated that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties before the strike, including the use of precision munitions and aerial surveillance. This operation follows recent IDF actions against other militant leaders. Over the weekend, the IDF targeted a rocket cell commander from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Mohsen Farid Said Abu-Hadhaf, in Khan Younis. Additionally, on Tuesday night, Ahmed Batash, a Hamas battalion commander in Jabalia, was eliminated in an airstrike in northern Gaza.