Israel Strikes Hamas Finance Chief in Gaza, Netanyahu Says

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday eliminated Muhammad Abu Alwan, who headed the financial operations of Hamas, in a strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Yunis, according to statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Netanyahu and Katz lauded the IDF and the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) for conducting a "precise operation." They affirmed a commitment to continue targeting Hamas commanders and operatives, their funding sources, and their infrastructure. "We will not allow Hamas to rebuild its strength, nor will we stop until Hamas no longer exists in Gaza," the joint statement added.

Elsewhere, the Board of Peace on Tuesday night reviewed progress in Gaza, acknowledging the challenges ahead in implementing a 15-point roadmap for peace and transition. The Board expressed confidence in success with the support of international partners, including the United Arab Emirates and the European Union. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, praised the shift from a raging war a year prior to the initial steps toward a diplomatic solution. He credited the UN Security Council's unanimous adoption of Resolution 2803, a peace plan for Gaza, and the approval of the Board of Peace, which he chairs.

The Board of Peace reiterated its commitment to demilitarization and deradicalization in Gaza, an Israeli withdrawal, the establishment of effective Palestinian civilian and security administration, and reconstruction with humanitarian aid. The Board emphasized that the current political landscape provides an opportunity to unite the international community behind a framework that demonstrates diplomacy's ability to achieve lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

In a separate address at a memorial ceremony, Defense Minister Katz issued a warning to Hamas regarding the potential abduction of Israeli soldiers or civilians. He stated that if even one Israeli is taken, Gaza City, with its residents, would be evacuated southward. Katz also pledged that Israel would not withdraw from its current deployment lines within Gaza as long as Hamas remains and the Strip is not demilitarized.