Israel says Hamas Rafah brigade commander killed in Gaza strike

The Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency said on September 16 that they killed Nael Abu Obeid, described by Israel as the commander of Hamas’ Rafah Brigade and head of the group’s military operations in the southern Gaza Strip.

According to a joint statement, Israeli forces carried out the strike earlier Tuesday in southern Gaza, targeting Abu Obeid, Caliber.Az reports.

The Israeli military said Abu Obeid assumed command of the Rafah Brigade after the killing of Mohammad Sabaneh. It said he had previously served as the brigade’s deputy commander and commanded the Tel al-Sultan and Yibna battalions.

The statement described Abu Obeid as a senior Hamas figure and said he was responsible for directing the activities of fighters in the Rafah Brigade, including operations targeting Israeli troops and civilians. The Israeli military also said he had been involved in efforts to rebuild the brigade’s capabilities following damage sustained during the war.

Israel said measures had been taken before the strike to reduce the risk to civilians, including the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance.

“The security forces remain deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any threat,” the statement said.

By Sabina Mammadli