IDF and Shin Bet Eliminate Hamas Naval Police Commander in Central Gaza Strike

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet executed a targeted operation in central Gaza Strip that resulted in the killing of three senior Hamas military wing operatives. The primary target was Manzur Sami Mahmoud Shehatus, the commander of Hamas's naval police in the central refugee camps. According to Israeli security sources, Shehatus was actively involved in planning and advancing terrorist attacks aimed at IDF forces operating in Gaza.

Alongside Shehatus, two other militants serving as commanders in the naval police were also killed. This unit operates directly under Hamas command and is responsible for directing sabotage activities against Israeli forces and the state of Israel. The strike took place while the three were traveling in an armed vehicle.

The IDF stated that the cell posed an immediate and tangible threat to Israeli troops deployed in the area. The Southern Command forces remain deployed according to existing agreements and will continue to act decisively to neutralize any immediate threats to Israel's security and its soldiers. This operation is part of an ongoing effort by the IDF and Shin Bet to dismantle the command and control infrastructure of terrorist organizations in Gaza and prevent attacks against Israeli soldiers.