The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it has killed three senior commanders from Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in separate operations in the Gaza Strip, identifying each as having played a role in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
According to the military, the strikes were carried out to prevent planned attacks against Israeli troops and civilians and to dismantle operational leadership within the two militant organizations.
Hamas Nukhba Commander Reportedly Targeted
Among those named by the IDF was Adnan Taha Abu al-Tayf, whom the military identified as a commander in Hamas’ elite Nukhba unit.
The IDF said Abu al-Tayf infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 attack and was recently involved in efforts to advance additional operations targeting Israeli forces and civilians.
The military stated that the strike was intended to remove what it described as an immediate security threat.
Second Hamas Commander Killed in Shati Area
In a separate operation, the Israeli military said it killed Jalal Tsubeih, identified as a commander in Hamas’ Daraj Tuffah Battalion.
According to the IDF, Tsubeih was targeted during a strike in the Shati area of Gaza. The military did not provide further operational details but said the action formed part of its ongoing campaign against Hamas’ military infrastructure.
Islamic Jihad Commander Also Reported Dead
The IDF also announced the death of Mahmoud Fatair, whom it identified as a Nukhba commander within the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Central Gaza Brigade.
Israeli military officials alleged that Fatair crossed into Israel during the October 7 attack and participated in holding hostage Rom Braslavski while in the custody of Islamic Jihad.
The IDF further claimed he was filmed wearing the group’s uniform during ceremonies in which several hostages were handed over.
Military Says Operations Aimed at Preventing Future Attacks
The Israeli military said the three commanders had recently been involved in planning or supporting attacks against Israeli military personnel and civilians.
It stated that the operations were conducted to disrupt those activities and reduce threats posed by senior operatives within Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The claims made by the IDF regarding the identities and activities of those killed have not been independently verified. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad had not publicly commented on the announcements at the time of reporting.
