Media: Israeli special forces operate in Khan Younis, senior militant reportedly killed

Israeli special forces carried out an operation in Khan Younis on the morning of May 19, during which Ahmad Sarhan, described by sources in Gaza as a senior figure in the militant group Popular Resistance Committees, was reportedly killed.

According to the same sources, Israeli troops also detained Sarhan’s wife and children, Caliber.Az reports, citing Newsru.co.il.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially commented on these reports. 

However, the information was broadcast by Israeli military radio station Galei Tzahal, citing local sources in Gaza.

Earlier, it was reported that the IDF had entered Khan Younis as part of a mission to rescue Israeli hostages. The IDF’s spokesperson’s unit has since denied this, reiterating that the military is continuing its broader operation, codenamed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, across the entire Gaza Strip.

Separately, Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Information Centre reported that on the same morning, the Israeli Air Force launched no fewer than 30 airstrikes in Khan Younis, in the southern part of Gaza. The strikes reportedly targeted areas near Nasser Medical Complex, Al-Aqsa University and other locations. The report claimed there were casualties, though no specific numbers were provided.

The airstrikes are believed to have been carried out in support of the withdrawal of Israeli special forces from the area.

There have been no reports of casualties among Israeli troops during the operation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev