IDF Reports Elimination of Three High-Ranking Hamas Leaders in Gaza

Jerusalem, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) disclosed on Friday that they have eliminated three high-ranking Hamas leaders during airstrikes executed in the Gaza Strip this week.

The individuals targeted were connected to the October 7 assault on Israel, which led to numerous civilian fatalities and kidnappings, according to their statement.

Among those killed was Majdi Aqilan, the deputy commander of Hamas' Shati Battalion. The IDF reported that Aqilan was responsible for orchestrating the assault on Nahal Oz kibbutz on October 7 and has been a key figure behind much of the terrorist actions against IDF personnel in Gaza, as per Xinhua news agency.

Another target, Mamdouh Mehna, held a significant role in Hamas' tunneling operations. Mehna was said to have participated in the attack on Nahal Oz on October 7.

The third commander, Ahmad Suwaidan, also associated with the Shati Battalion, was reportedly involved in the kidnapping of Israeli civilians during the October 7 offensive.

Israel has been conducting extensive operations against Hamas in Gaza as a response to a Hamas assault across the Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives and around 250 were taken hostage.

The ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis within the Palestinian territory. The death toll among Palestinians due to the continuous Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 44,000, as reported by health authorities based in Gaza.