Israel confirms killing of Hamas Eastern Rafah commander, deputy, inner circle

During a joint operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), the Commander of Hamas’ eastern Rafah battalion, along with his deputy and inner circle, was eliminated while attempting to flee the underground terror infrastructure.

The IDF and ISA announced on their Telegram channel that earlier this week, four militants emerging from Hamas’ underground network in the area were neutralised by IDF forces, Caliber.Az reports.

The elimination of the militants was possible due to the consistent and precise activity of IDF and ISA forces in the area of Rafah, and following extensive intelligence activities, including questioning and guidance conducted by the ISA in the area.

Following a review of intelligence, the Hamas Eastern Rafah Battalion commander, his deputy, and other operatives were eliminated, including the following:

Muhammad Jawad Muhammad al-Bawab, was the commander of the Hamas battalion in eastern Rafah, overseeing the planning of battalion infiltrations into southern Negev communities during the brutal October 7 massacre. He orchestrated attacks against IDF forces throughout the conflict.

Ismail Kanaan Abd al-Hay Abu Labdeh, served as deputy commander of the eastern Hamas battalion in Rafah, supervising the planning of terrorist infiltrations into southern Negev settlements during the October 7 attacks.

Abdullah Azi Ahmed Hamad, a member of the eastern Hamas battalion in Rafah, acted as a bodyguard close to the battalion commander. He was the son of Ghazi Hamad, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau.

Tawfiq Khaled Tawfiq Salem commanded the regional platoon of the eastern Hamas battalion in Rafah.

Following the ceasefire, forces are securing the area and eliminating Hamas-linked infrastructure above and below ground.

To date, the IDF and ISA have neutralised over 40 militants in the underground infrastructure area in eastern Rafah.

IDF Southern Command troops remain deployed under the ceasefire agreement and will continue operations to eliminate any immediate threats, the statement said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada