The Israeli military announced on Friday that two senior Hamas commanders were killed in airstrikes in the Gaza Strip this week, escalating operations against the militant group despite a fragile ceasefire.
First Strike Targets Weapons Production Commander
On Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza killed Khalil Jamal Khalil Manna, identified by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a commander in Hamas’s weapons production division. According to the military, Manna was actively involved in efforts to restore Hamas’s military capabilities during the current ceasefire period. His role in manufacturing and repairing weapons systems made him a high-value target.
Second Strike Eliminates Company Commander
A separate strike on Thursday killed Osama Walid Deeb Muhareb, whom the IDF described as a company commander in Hamas’s Nuseirat Battalion. The military stated that Muhareb had recently stored explosive devices intended for use against Israeli troops. Both operatives were deemed to have posed a direct threat to IDF forces, prompting the targeted strikes.
The IDF has intensified airstrikes on Hamas operatives in Gaza over recent months, citing ongoing threats to Israeli soldiers stationed in the region. The military maintains that such operations are necessary to prevent attacks and degrade Hamas’s command structure.
Context of Escalation
These killings come amid heightened tensions in Gaza, where a ceasefire brokered earlier this year remains precarious. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using the pause in hostilities to rebuild its military infrastructure. The IDF’s focus on weapons production and battalion-level commanders reflects a strategy to disrupt Hamas’s ability to launch future attacks.
No immediate comment was provided by Hamas officials regarding the deaths. The strikes have drawn international attention, with human rights groups calling for restraint to avoid further civilian casualties in the densely populated enclave.
