IDF eliminates deputy commander of Hamas sniper squad

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the elimination of the deputy commander of a sniper unit belonging to the radical Hamas movement in the Deir al-Balah area of the Gaza Strip.

The IDF "carried out a strike and eliminated terrorist Abid Allah Naim Hadhud Musa, who served as the deputy head of the Hamas sniper unit in the Deir al-Balah area," the military press service stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"The terrorist was killed in his vehicle," the statement added.

The press service emphasized that "measures were taken prior to the strike to prevent harm to the civilian population." These measures included "the use of precision-guided munitions," "aerial surveillance," and the use of "additional intelligence information."

Let's note that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, established in January 2025, has collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations and a resurgence of hostilities.​

The truce, brokered with mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, outlined a phased approach. In the first phase, Hamas would release 33 hostages, primarily women and older men, in exchange for Israel releasing 30–50 Palestinian prisoners per Israeli hostage. Israel also agreed to permit humanitarian aid into Gaza and allow displaced Palestinians to return home. Contingent on the success of Phase 1, the second phase aimed for a permanent ceasefire, with Hamas releasing remaining male hostages, both civilians and soldiers, in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners. in line with the third phase, Hamas would return the remains of deceased Israeli hostages.​

However, both parties soon accused each other of breaching the agreement.

Israel accused Hamas of delaying the provision of hostage names and using released hostages for propaganda purposes. Conversely, Hamas criticized Israel for continuing military operations and restricting humanitarian aid. Notably, Israel allowed only 8,500 aid trucks into Gaza, falling short of the 12,000 stipulated in the ceasefire terms. ​

Tensions escalated when Hamas temporarily suspended hostage releases on February 10, citing Israeli violations. Although releases resumed after mediation, disputes persisted. On March 1, Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire, insisting on proceeding to Phase 2 as originally planned. In response, Israel ceased aid entry into Gaza on March 2, a move condemned by mediators and the United Nations as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. ​

On March 18, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across Gaza, marking a significant escalation. Israeli officials stated that the operation was planned in secrecy to ensure surprise. The strikes resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel had "resumed combat in full force."

By Khagan Isayev