IDF reports killing of senior Hamas counterintelligence official in Gaza

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they killed Amjad Muhammad Hassan Shaer, identified as the head of the Counterintelligence Directorate within Hamas’ General Security Apparatus, during an operation in the northern Gaza Strip on July 23. 

According to the IDF, the Counterintelligence Directorate is responsible for suppressing opposition to Hamas’ rule, preventing espionage, and protecting senior Hamas officials and key assets both inside Gaza and abroad. The directorate is considered a key component of Hamas’ broader intelligence and security network, which the IDF says supports decision-making and the execution of attacks against Israel, Caliber.Az reports via the IDF statement. 

The IDF, working alongside Israel Security Agency (ISA) intelligence, stated that its troops continue to conduct operations targeting Hamas and other militant groups in the northern Gaza Strip, including in the areas of Beit Hanoun, Jabaliya, and Daraj Tuffah. Efforts reportedly focus on locating and dismantling tunnels and other militant infrastructure.

In the past 24 hours, the IDF also reported dismantling an anti-tank missile post near Gaza City from which fire had been directed at Israeli forces. No Israeli injuries were reported.

Additionally, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip, including alleged militant cells, military facilities, tunnels, missile launch sites, weapons storage, and other infrastructure, the IDF says.

By Sabina Mammadli