Israeli Forces Target Key Hamas Commander Linked to October 7 Attacks

ILIsrael|

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the elimination of Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a prominent Hamas commander, in a drone strike in Gaza. Sabah led the Nukhba Platoon and was instrumental in the Kibbutz Nir Oz massacre during the October 7, 2023, attack, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities and over 250 hostages taken.

The IDF reported that the targeted strike occurred in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, where Sabah operated from a shelter designated as a humanitarian area. The IDF's statement emphasized that Sabah orchestrated numerous attacks against Israeli forces and remained a significant threat.

Additionally, the IDF also reported the killing of Anas Muhammad Saadi Masri, commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's rocket unit, underlining the ongoing military operations aimed at neutralizing leaders involved in terrorist activities against Israel.

Since October 7, Israeli military efforts have led to the elimination of 14 Hamas operatives, indicating a broader offensive as part of its countermeasures against Hamas. The conflict has intensified, drawing international concern about the rising civilian death toll in Gaza, which has reportedly surpassed 45,000, amidst calls for a ceasefire.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Israel

Fear Grows for Family Bibas as Israel Celebrates Recent Hostage Releases

In Tel Aviv, hundreds gathered to celebrate the release of Agam Berger, the last of five Israeli soldiers taken hostage, amid rising concerns for the Bibas family, who have become a poignant symbol of the ongoing hostage crisis. The recent hostage exchange on January 30, 2025, involved the release of nine individuals: five Thai workers and two Israelis, including the 28-year-old civil hostage Arbel Yehud. The exchange was not initially planned, following chaotic events over the weekend when the Hamas organization released four Israeli soldiers but withheld the Bibas family, believed to have been captured during a violent raid on October 7, 2023. Many expressed deep worries for Shiri Bibas and her two children, Kfir and Ariel, fearing they may not be alive. Margalit Bokritz, a concerned citizen, stated, “I hope that the Bibas family is alive... but unfortunately, it does not look good.” The fate of the family remains uncertain, with conflicting reports about their condition. Israeli military officials have expressed concerns, demanding clarity from Hamas, but as of now, there has been no definitive information.
ILIsrael

Trump Proposes Controversial Gaza Plan Amid Global Backlash

Former President Donald Trump has presented a contentious plan to "own" Gaza and relocate its two million residents, despite widespread opposition from U.S. allies. Trump announced on his platform, Truth Social, that Israel would transfer the Gaza Strip to the United States after the ongoing conflict concludes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Trump's proposal, labeling it a "remarkable" idea. Critics, including Palestinians and human rights organizations, argue that the proposal disregards international law and presents an illusion of voluntary migration. According to reports, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to devise plans to facilitate Gazans leaving by land, sea, or air. However, many fear that the circumstances would force relocations under duress, as Gaza has faced over 15 months of bombardment, rendering it nearly uninhabitable. The international community has largely condemned the proposal, with many questioning whether the voices of Gazans have been considered in the decision-making process.
ILIsrael

Tensions Flare Amid Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Between Israel and Hamas

A hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas escalated tensions over the weekend, leading to chaotic scenes in Khan Younis. Hamas released eight hostages, including three Israelis—Agam Berger, 20, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80—along with five Thai agricultural workers, as part of a 42-day cease-fire brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the circumstances surrounding the transfer, particularly the overwhelming crowds and armed militants in Khan Younis that made the handover precarious. Netanyahu temporarily halted the release of Palestinian prisoners due to concerns over safety during transfers, describing the situation as "shocking." The chaotic exchange was met with public jubilation from Palestinians who sought to glimpse the freed hostages. In response to the incident, Netanyahu called for improved safety measures for future exchanges. The recent events underscore the fragility of the cease-fire and ongoing tensions between both parties, as they navigate the complexities of securing hostage releases.
ILIsrael