Did the Israeli Army Eliminate a Hamas Counter-Intelligence Commander in Gaza?

Jerusalem, July 26 (NationPress) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported the elimination of a Hamas counter-intelligence commander during a strike in the northern Gaza Strip.

Amjad Muhammad Hassan Shaer, who led the counter-intelligence division within Hamas' General Security Apparatus, was confirmed dead on Wednesday, according to a statement from the IDF released on Friday.

The Israeli military indicated that this division's responsibilities included preventing espionage and protecting high-ranking Hamas officials, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The IDF's statement also revealed that on Thursday, in coordination with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force targeted multiple military installations across the Gaza Strip.

Palestine's official news agency, WAFA, reported that Israeli airstrikes hit a school sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza City on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least five Palestinians and injuring numerous others.

These airstrikes coincide with ongoing ground operations carried out by five divisions throughout the Strip.

The Israeli military noted that operations by the 98th Division have intensified in Gaza City.

In a separate incident, Israeli forces targeted an anti-tank missile site in Gaza City on Thursday after shots were directed at soldiers in the vicinity, though no injuries were reported.

Military personnel are actively engaged in operational activities across northern Gaza, particularly around Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and the Daraj Tuffah area of Gaza City.

Efforts continue to uncover and dismantle tunnel systems and other terrorist infrastructures.

In collaboration with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force has conducted attacks on numerous Hamas targets in the last 24 hours, including terrorist cells, tunnel networks, anti-tank missile launch sites, and weapon storage facilities.

On Thursday, the IDF took down Hamas terrorist Muhammad al-'Amour near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

Al-'Amour was reportedly in charge of the goods terminal at the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Sinai, facilitating the smuggling of hundreds of weapons and military equipment—an essential element in Hamas's terrorist capabilities.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited the Ground Forces headquarters at Camp Bar-Lev near Kiryat Malakhi on Wednesday, highlighting the crucial phase the military is currently navigating in this multi-front campaign.

Zamir pointed out the unprecedented nature of the ongoing conflict, stating, "There has never been a war like this in the history of the IDF—we are operating in Tehran, Sanaa, Beirut, Syria, Jenin, and the primary focus, the Gaza Strip."

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a strong warning to Hamas leaders on Wednesday, asserting, "The Sinwar brothers have devastated Gaza. Izz al-Din al-Haddad is turning it into ruins. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders abroad are celebrating in luxury, neglecting their responsibility to release hostages. If they don't act soon, the gates of hell will open." (The IDF eliminated Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar in October 2024 and May 2025, respectively. Izz al-Din al-Haddad, also known as Abu Suhaib, has led Hamas's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades since May 2025.)

The US is exploring "alternative options" to secure the return of the 50 captives held by Hamas, as the terrorist group "does not seem to be operating in good faith," stated US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday.

"Hamas's actions are regrettable," he added, reaffirming Washington's commitment to achieving peace.

This announcement follows a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO), indicating that due to the response received from Hamas that morning, Jerusalem has opted to withdraw its negotiators for consultations.

The Jewish state acknowledges the contributions from mediators, Qatar and Egypt, as well as the efforts of envoy Witkoff, in trying to achieve a breakthrough in negotiations, according to the PMO.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff accurately identified Hamas as the barrier to a hostage release agreement. Alongside our US allies, we are now considering alternative measures to secure the return of our hostages, dismantle Hamas's rule of terror, and establish enduring peace for Israel and the broader region."

During a state memorial ceremony for Revisionist Zionist leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky on Thursday night, Netanyahu expressed his determination to fulfill all war objectives, including the safe return of all hostages and the complete defeat of Hamas.

"If Hamas interprets our willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness, believing they can dictate terms that compromise Israel's safety, they are gravely mistaken," the Prime Minister emphasized in his remarks.