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Israeli forces targeted and killed two senior Hamas operatives in Gaza on Wednesday, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed in a joint statement released the following day. The strike followed what Israeli officials described as repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas.
Abdallah Abu Shamala, head of Hamas’s naval forces in Gaza, and Fadi Abu Mustafa, a prominent tunnel engineer in the Khan Yunis Brigade, were the primary targets. Israeli intelligence agencies said both men played critical roles in Hamas’s military operations throughout the conflict.
According to the IDF, Abu Shamala was responsible for advancing maritime attacks against Israeli forces and coastal targets. His activities included planning and directing operations aimed at disrupting Israeli naval patrols and infrastructure along the Gaza coastline.
Abu Mustafa, a key figure in Hamas’s extensive subterranean network, was also involved in the holding of Israeli hostages, including Nimrod Cohen and David Cunio. The IDF said his expertise in tunnel construction made him a central asset to Hamas’s military strategy.
The joint statement noted that the strike was guided by operational intelligence gathered over several days. Israeli commanders said the timing of the operation was chosen to minimise civilian casualties while maximizing the impact on Hamas’s military capabilities.
In addition to targeting the two leaders, Israeli aircraft struck several Hamas infrastructure sites across Gaza. These included weapons storage facilities, command centres, and operational staging zones used by Hamas’s various brigades.
The military confirmed that the strikes were part of a broader response to what it described as Hamas’s attempts to rebuild strength and test the limits of the ceasefire. Israeli analysts have warned in recent weeks that Hamas is trying to reassert its military presence despite ongoing monitoring by the IDF.
Israeli forces stationed along the Yellow Line — the buffer zone established during the ceasefire — have reported an uptick in suspicious activity. On Wednesday morning, troops discovered an eight-tube rocket launcher positioned close to the boundary, with four rockets aimed toward Israeli territory.
The discovery prompted a rapid response from nearby units, who dismantled the launcher and secured the area. Officials said the incident demonstrated Hamas’s intent to prepare for renewed hostilities despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In a separate operation that same day, soldiers of the Kfir Brigade located a significant weapons cache during routine patrols. The seized items included Kalashnikov rifles, fragmentation grenades, ccc, military uniforms, and ammunition magazines.
The presence of such weapons near sensitive zones has heightened Israeli concerns about Hamas’s preparations. Military spokespeople said the findings underscore the necessity of continued vigilance and targeted operations to prevent escalation.
The IDF reiterated that its actions are focused solely on neutralising imminent threats and maintaining stability along the border. Israeli officials emphasised that further violations of the ceasefire would result in additional defensive measures.
Despite international pressure for restraint, Israeli leaders insist that Hamas bears responsibility for ongoing instability. They argue that any reconstruction efforts in Gaza must be accompanied by the demilitarisation of Hamas and an end to underground and maritime assaults.
As tensions simmer, observers say the fragile ceasefire remains at risk. The latest targeted killings highlight the precarious balance between temporary calm and renewed conflict in the region.