Israeli forces eliminate Islamic Jihad commander in wave of over 200 airstrikes across Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the elimination of Ahmad Mansour, a senior operative in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s rocket unit, during a series of targeted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip over the past 72 hours.

According to a statement by the IDF, Mansour was directly involved in the October 7, 2023, cross-border assault on southern Israel, in which thousands of militants infiltrated Israeli territory, Caliber.Az reports.

His death forms part of a broader military campaign aimed at neutralizing key figures and infrastructure tied to Islamic Jihad and Hamas.

In total, more than 200 targets were struck across Gaza during the operation, including terrorist cells, weapons depots, and military compounds. The IDF did not disclose the precise location of Mansour’s killing but emphasized that the air campaign spanned both northern and southern regions of the enclave.

Particular focus was placed on the city of Rafah, where Israeli troops carried out coordinated strikes in the neighborhoods of Shabura and Tal al-Sultan. Forces reportedly uncovered significant arms caches and dismantled fortified infrastructure used by militant factions.

In the northern Gaza Strip, airstrikes destroyed a structure believed to conceal an underground tunnel network, killing several militants. The IDF also confirmed the elimination of multiple sniper positions as part of its counterinsurgency operations.

“These strikes are aimed at neutralizing the terrorist capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and preventing future attacks against Israeli civilians,” the IDF stated.

The ongoing operation reflects escalating military activity as tensions remain high along the Gaza border. While no Israeli military casualties have been reported, the situation has raised international concern over the humanitarian toll of continued hostilities.

The IDF reiterated its commitment to adhering to international law while addressing persistent security threats from Gaza. Military officials signaled that operations would persist in the coming days, targeting remaining militant infrastructure and leadership elements across the Strip.

By Vafa Guliyeva