Israel Defence Forces eliminate bodyguard of former Hamas leader

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) have eliminated two Hamas military wing members, including Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma, a Hamas Nukhba operative who allegedly infiltrated the Re’im camp on October 7 and later served as Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s bodyguard.

The military said Abu Shahma was killed on August 24 during operations targeting the Khan Yunis area, Caliber.Az reports.

Earlier this week, on August 23, the IDF carried out a strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, killing Hazem Mousa, whom the military identified as another Nukhba operative who took part in the infiltration of the Re’im camp on October 7.

According to the IDF, the two men had continued planning and carrying out attacks against Israeli troops and civilians while attempting to restore Hamas’ military capabilities, which the military said violated the ceasefire agreement.

The IDF noted that measures had been taken beforehand to reduce the risk to civilians, including the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance.

IDF forces under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue operations against threats, the military added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov