The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) announced Thursday the elimination of several Hamas operatives in Gaza, including a bodyguard of the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The agencies stated that Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma, identified as Sinwar's bodyguard, was killed in a strike in the Khan Yunis area on Monday. According to the military, Abu Shahma participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, infiltration of the IDF’s Re’im base.
In a separate strike in Khan Yunis on Sunday, the IDF killed Hazem Mousa, another Hamas Nukhba terrorist described by the military as having also infiltrated the Re'im base on Oct. 7. The IDF and Shin Bet said both Abu Shahma and Mousa were allegedly planning attacks against Israeli troops and civilians and were working to rebuild Hamas’s military capabilities, in violation of a ceasefire.
On Monday, the IDF also targeted two Hamas terrorists in central Gaza, identifying Mohammad Abu Asaad as a Nukhba Force member who participated in the Oct. 7 massacre. The military asserted that these operatives were also planning attacks and working to restore Hamas’s capabilities.
In addition to targeting individuals, the IDF and Shin Bet conducted strikes on Monday against five Hamas weapons-storage facilities and a launch site across the Gaza Strip. Some of these sites were reportedly located within mosques and near humanitarian infrastructure.
Following reports of Hamas operatives hiding weapons in mosques, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter stated, "This is not disarmament," in reference to Hamas's alleged failure to disarm.
The IDF also addressed renewed kite and balloon launches from Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Monday that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the IDF to implement a zero-tolerance policy toward such launches into Israeli communities in the Negev. Netanyahu and Katz warned Hamas that continued launches would result in intensified strikes against those responsible and potential evacuations from areas used as launch sites.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, vowing that Israel would prevent Hamas from rebuilding and continue to pursue those responsible for the Oct. 7 massacre. "The IDF will not return to the doctrines that prevailed on Oct. 6," Zamir stated. He added, "The pursuit of the terrorists who participated in the Oct. 7 massacre continues—everyone who took part in the massacre will live on the run until they are eliminated." Zamir described this effort as a long-term mission, reaffirming the IDF's commitment to demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and disarming Hamas.