The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced a series of operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon that it says resulted in the deaths of several Hamas and Hezbollah members accused of planning or carrying out attacks against Israeli forces.
In statements released over the past two days, the military identified multiple individuals it said were involved in militant activities and described the strikes as part of ongoing efforts to counter threats against Israeli troops operating in the region.
IDF Says Hamas Sniper Commander Was Killed
According to the IDF, one of the individuals killed was Omar Ahmed Abu Qasem, whom the military identified as a battalion sniper commander in Hamas’ military wing.
The Israeli military alleged that Abu Qasem had been attempting in recent months to rebuild Hamas’ military infrastructure and facilitate additional attacks on Israeli soldiers. The IDF also claimed these activities violated the existing ceasefire agreement.
Strike Targets Hezbollah Operatives in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military also reported killing three armed Hezbollah members in the Beit Yahoun area within the security zone in southern Lebanon.
According to the IDF, the individuals were carrying combat equipment at the time of the operation and were targeted because they posed what the military described as an immediate threat to Israeli forces operating nearby.
Hamas Member Linked to October 7 Attack Identified
In a separate statement, the IDF said it had killed Hussam al-Shafie, whom it identified as a member of Hamas’ Eastern Khan Yunis Battalion.
The military alleged that al-Shafie participated in the October 7 attack by infiltrating Kibbutz Nirim and was involved in the abduction of Colonel Asaf Hamami, Staff Sergeant Tomer Ahimas and Sergeant Kiril Brodski, all of whom were killed during the fighting at the kibbutz.
The IDF further claimed that al-Shafie continued to coordinate attacks and posed a threat to Israeli troops operating in the Khan Yunis area.
Additional Hamas Commanders Reported Killed
The announcements followed an earlier statement issued on July 15, in which the Israeli military said it had killed Ali Shamlakh and Nasser Louh.
The IDF identified both men as Hamas Nukhba commanders and said they posed an immediate threat to Israeli forces engaged in military operations in Gaza.
Operations Continue Across Multiple Fronts
The latest announcements underscore Israel’s continued military operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The claims were made by the Israeli military and had not been independently verified at the time of the announcement. Hamas and Hezbollah had not publicly responded to the specific allegations regarding the reported deaths.
