IDF kills senior Hamas commanders in Gaza strikes

The Israel Defense Forces announced the killing of several senior Hamas commanders in recent strikes across Gaza, including a member of the elite Nukhba unit linked to the October 7, 2023, attack. The IDF identified the Nukhba operative as Jihad Samih Mahmoud Ismail, stating he was eliminated in the Khan Yunis area. According to the military, Ismail participated in the October 7 assault on Tank No. 3 near the community of Nirim, which resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and the abduction of a fourth. The IDF also confirmed the killing of Nael Abu Obeid, commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade, in a strike in southern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a joint announcement that the strike eliminated the brigade commander, following the earlier elimination of the Khan Yunis Brigade commander and other senior figures. The military said additional commanders, including Ahmad al-Batash of the Jabalia Battalion, were also killed in recent operations. According to a report, Hamas has decided not to respond militarily to the killings of its commanders.