IDF and Shin Bet Confirm Elimination of Hamas Rafah Brigade Commander

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency have officially confirmed the elimination of Samir Mahmoud Hassan Abu Yunis, identified as the commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade. Abu Yunis was killed in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip on the night of November 15. Hamas's military wing had previously announced his death, acknowledging his involvement in planning and executing the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. According to updated IDF and Shin Bet information, Abu Yunis had led the Rafah Brigade for approximately two months. He was appointed to this position following the elimination of the previous commander, Naal Abu Ubaid, on September 15, 2026. Prior to leading the brigade, Abu Yunis held several command positions within Hamas, including deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade and commander of the Tal Sultan battalion. Israeli intelligence services state that Abu Yunis directed the preparation and execution of attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians. Furthermore, he reportedly worked to restore the operational capability of the Rafah Brigade and Hamas's military wing, which sustained significant losses during the war. A joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet emphasized that forces in the Southern Command are operating according to the terms of an agreement and will continue operations to eliminate immediate security threats.