Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills Hamas Military Leader

An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza on Tuesday night killed a Hamas military commander who had held the top military position for 11 days. The commander replaced another leader who died in an Israeli operation earlier in May. The same strike killed the commander's wife and sons.

Officials said the commander helped plan the October 7, 2023 attacks and later operations that caused additional deaths.

The post stated he was responsible for planning infiltration routes and attack targets during the October 7 events. Officials described the death as a setback to Hamas leadership and rebuilding efforts. The Washington Examiner had previously reported the strike but noted uncertainty at the time about whether the target survived.

A defense official posted on X that the commander was the fourth senior Hamas military figure eliminated in Gaza. The same statement said Hamas would not rule Gaza and that a voluntary emigration plan from Gaza would be implemented at an appropriate time.