IDF Strikes Hamas Financial Network, Eliminates Key Operatives

The Israeli military conducted two precise airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, eliminating two key Hamas operatives involved in rebuilding the terror group's capabilities and planning attacks. In Deir al-Balah, Jabir Makbel, who headed a money exchange network that funneled millions of dollars from abroad to Hamas for terror activities, was killed. In Khan Younis, Hassan Albatah, a senior sniper, was targeted.

The IDF stated that both individuals systematically violated the ceasefire and were planning attacks against Israeli forces. These strikes come amid heavy mourning for two reserve soldiers killed in a difficult drone incident in northern Gaza the previous day. The military emphasized that operations targeting Hamas's financial and military infrastructure will continue despite international pressure.

Makbel's money exchange company, "Makbel," served as a critical funding channel for Hamas's military wing, transferring significant foreign currency for salaries, weapons procurement, and the repair of military infrastructure. The IDF views these operations as deepening the blow to Hamas's governance and support mechanisms beyond direct military action.

In a separate but related event earlier in the week, the IDF and Shin Bet assassinated Mohammed Abu Alwan, head of Hamas's finance department in Khan Younis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed these strikes, praising security forces and highlighting the focus on both field commanders and financial hubs sustaining the organization.

The drone incident that claimed the lives of reservists Nadav Kali and Ofek Moalem involved a malfunctioning explosive drone that returned to the soldiers' position and detonated. The IDF Chief of Staff has ordered an immediate halt to operations using "Bat" explosive drones and similar models pending a full technical review, with investigations exploring potential frequency jamming by Hamas or technical failures.