Southern Gaza: An Israeli airstrike killed a senior Hamas military commander in southern Gaza, Palestinian sources said on Sunday. The Israeli military admitted it had attacked a senior Hamas military wing commander during an intelligence operation alongside Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet.
Samir Abu Younis, 53, commander of Hamas military wing Al-Qassam Brigades’ Rafah Brigade was killed in the strike on Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, a Palestinian security source said.
The Israeli military did not immediately say who they targeted, but said they would release more details.
Two Others Wounded
In a joint statement released early on Sunday the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet admitted they had attacked a senior Hamas military wing commander.
Gaza Civil Defence Spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal said the body of Younis had been handed to them. Two others were also wounded in the attack, he added.
The attack comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas after a ceasefire deal was agreed upon in October 2025.
Israel and Hamas Accuse Each Other of Violating Ceasefire
Both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of breaching the ceasefire deal, which came into force after two years of war between the two groups following the Palestinian Islamist group’s deadly October 7, 2023, strike on Israel.
While the US-brokered deal has largely calmed the violence, Israel has carried out regular attacks throughout the Gaza Strip.
Over 1,600 Palestinian lives have been lost since the deal was signed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas authorities. The United Nations has deemed the figures reliable.
The Israeli military has said seven soldiers and one civilian contractor have been killed.
Israel’s former army chief Gadi Eisenkot is currently negotiating to form a ruling coalition while Caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is overseeing military operations.
Six Killed in Nasser Hospital Attack
At least six people, including medical staff, patients and bystanders were killed and 27 injured in an Israeli attack on the surgical unit of Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis southern Gaza on November 13.
The surgical unit of the Nasser hospital was attacked early in the morning. Dr Rizq Abu Shuaira was among those killed, the Gaza Health Ministry said.
The attack violated international humanitarian laws protecting medical facilities, medical staff and patients. They called on the international community and UN agencies to step in to protect hospitals and hold those responsible accountable.