IDF Kills Two Hamas Commanders in Gaza for Planning Terror Attacks Against Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that it killed two Hamas commanders in separate strikes in the northern and southern Gaza Strip. The targeted individuals were Bilal Ibrahim Salah Rakie, a commander in Hamas's anti-tank unit in northern Gaza, and Azzam Rifaat Abd Abadallah, an operative in the Khan Yunis brigade in southern Gaza.

According to the IDF spokesperson, both men were actively involved in planning terror attacks against Israeli forces and civilians, as well as working to restore Hamas's military capabilities. These activities were carried out in violation of the ceasefire agreement. The IDF stated the strikes were intended to eliminate immediate threats posed by these operatives.

The IDF also emphasized that its Southern Command forces remain deployed in Gaza according to the ceasefire terms and will continue operations to neutralize any imminent dangers. These killings follow a series of recent IDF operations targeting Hamas militants in Gaza, including the elimination of two Nukhba terrorists involved in the October 7 attacks and strikes on Hamas weapons depots hidden inside mosques.

Earlier this week, the IDF and Shin Bet also destroyed two Hamas arms warehouses in the Shati and Deir al-Balah areas, seizing dozens of assault rifles, magazines, and other military equipment. The IDF reiterated that despite the ceasefire, Hamas continues to pursue terror activities and rebuild its arsenal, prompting ongoing Israeli military responses.