Israeli forces eliminate Hamas militant wing commander

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the elimination of a senior commander of the military wing of the radical Hamas movement, Imad Jarou, in the Gaza Strip.

Jarou was the head of the emergency commission and served as the mayor of Deir al-Balah, a city in the central part of the Gaza Strip, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

"The terrorist operated in a compound that Hamas terrorists used to plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and Israel in the humanitarian zone of Deir al-Balah," the IDF press office stated.

According to the IDF report, Jarou "was actively involved in Hamas government activities in the Deir al-Balah area," maintained "constant contact with the leadership of Hamas’ military wing," and "provided combat support" to them. Additionally, he was "responsible for Hamas' political activities in the central camp areas" of the Palestinian enclave.

"Prior to the strike, measures were taken to minimize harm to civilians," the Israeli military noted. They added, "Hamas continues to use civilian and humanitarian infrastructure for its terrorist purposes, violating international law."

The operation was coordinated between multiple Israeli security branches, including IDF Southern Command, Military Intelligence (Aman), the Shin Bet and the Israeli Air Force.

By Khagan Isayev