IDF says Hamas, Islamic Jihad commanders killed in Gaza strikes

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it had killed a Hamas commander in Gaza’s Al-Shati area who participated in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

According to the military, Nabil Ibrahim Bass infiltrated Israel on October 7, 2023, as part of the Hamas assault.

The IDF also said that Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) observation platoon commander Hamdi Ahmad Hamid Kahlil was killed on August 27 in a separate strike in Gaza’s Sabra area.

The military said the strikes were part of Israel’s efforts to prevent Hamas and PIJ from rebuilding their military capabilities, describing such efforts as violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The IDF added that both Bass and Kahlil had continued working to advance attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians throughout the war.

The strikes came a day after the military said it had killed Ismail Mohammad Ibrahim Barim, a commander in Hamas’ Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades who was responsible for holding Israeli hostages Edan Alexander, Matan Zangauker and Avera Mengistu in a tunnel in southern Gaza.

The IDF also said that two Hamas Nukhba operatives, Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma and Hazem Mousa, were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza in an operation involving the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency.

According to the military, both men infiltrated the Re’im area during the October 7 attack. Abu Shahma had also previously served as bodyguard to former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces after masterminding the October 7 assault, the IDF said.

By Vafa Guliyeva