The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that three Hamas operatives were killed in separate military operations, including a member of the group’s naval force whom the military accused of participating in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The announcement was made in an official statement released by the Israeli military, which said the operations targeted individuals allegedly involved in planning and carrying out attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.
IDF Identifies Naval Force Operative
According to the IDF, one of those killed was Abdallah Jahja, whom it identified as a member of Hamas’ naval force. The military alleged that Jahja infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 attacks, which Israel says involved coordinated assaults by Hamas militants across southern Israel.
Israeli authorities have repeatedly stated that they are pursuing individuals they believe were involved in those attacks as part of ongoing military operations.
Two Additional Hamas Members Named
The military also identified two additional Hamas members killed in the strikes as Mohammed Al-Hawari and Sabhi Saqallah.
According to the IDF, Al-Hawari served as a cell commander in Hamas’ Zeitoun Battalion, while Saqallah worked as an observation operative within the same battalion. The Israeli military said both men were involved in advancing attacks targeting IDF personnel and Israeli civilians.
Operations Continue Amid Ongoing Conflict
The announcement comes as Israeli military operations continue in Gaza amid the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. The IDF has maintained that its operations are focused on dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and targeting operatives it says pose a threat to Israeli security.
Hamas had not immediately commented on the Israeli military’s claims regarding the identities or roles of those reported killed. The circumstances surrounding the operations could not be independently verified.
