Israeli forces say Islamic Jihad operative killed in Gaza airstrike PHOTO

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA) said they killed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative in an airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip.

According to a joint statement, the target was identified as Zaher Brahim Khalil Abu Salem, whom Israeli authorities accused of infiltrating Israeli territory during the October 7, 2023 attack and participating in the abduction of Israeli civilians, Caliber.Az reports. 

The statement said Abu Salem was also involved in attempts to carry out attacks against Israeli forces and civilians during the ongoing conflict.

The IDF said Abu Salem was considered a threat to troops operating in Gaza and was killed in an aerial strike. The military added that measures were taken before the strike to reduce the risk of civilian casualties, including the use of precision weapons and aerial surveillance.

The IDF said forces under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area and will continue operations to address security threats.

By Sabina Mammadli