IDF and Shin Bet Eliminate Hamas Northern Gaza Commander in Precision Strike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency announced Tuesday the successful elimination of Az al-Din Bik, identified as the commander of Hamas's Northern Gaza Strip brigade. The strike, described as a precise aerial attack, took place overnight in Gaza City's Nasr neighborhood.

According to Israeli officials, Bik had held the position since the previous commander, Ahmed Ghandour, was killed. He had previously served as the brigade's intelligence officer and was responsible for directing the brigade's operatives and planning terror attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. He was also reportedly working to rebuild the brigade's capabilities, which had been severely degraded during the ongoing conflict.

Palestinian reports confirmed the death of Bik, also referred to as Az al-Din al-Bik "Ashmawi," a commander in Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades. This was reportedly not the first attempt on his life; he survived a similar Israeli strike in May, during which the deputy commander of Hamas's Gaza City brigade, Imad Aselem, was killed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, stating that Bik was involved in planning terror attacks and recruiting operatives. They praised the IDF and Shin Bet for their efforts, vowing to continue pursuing all Hamas operatives until the organization is dismantled in Gaza.

The IDF released footage of the strike, showing the targeted apartment after the attack.