Image: from The Consultant X @TheConsultant18
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
The Israel Defense Forces said it has killed a Hamas commander linked to the October 7 attack in Israel, in a targeted strike carried out in the central Gaza Strip.
According to the IDF, Anas Muhammad Ibrahim Hamed, identified as a commander within Hamas’ elite Nukhba unit, was killed on Monday in what the military described as a “precise airstrike.” Israeli officials said Hamed had taken part in the assault on Israel and was involved in the Nova music festival attack.
The IDF stated that Hamed posed an “immediate threat” to Israeli forces operating in Gaza and said troops remain deployed in the area in line with existing arrangements.
Role in the October 7 Attack
The October 7 attack, carried out by Hamas, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people in Israel and triggered a large-scale military campaign in Gaza.
Israeli officials say the Nukhba unit, part of the Al-Qassam Brigades, played a central role in the assault. The group is considered Hamas’ elite force, trained for complex and high-impact operations.
Since the start of the conflict, Israel has targeted multiple senior figures within Hamas’ military structure. Previous strikes reportedly killed key commanders, including Mohammed Deif in 2024 and his successor Mohammad Sinwar in 2025.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The latest strike comes nearly seven months after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Donald Trump in October. Both sides have since accused each other of violating the truce.
The IDF has alleged that Hamas used civilian infrastructure, including ambulances, to transport fighters and weapons. Hamas, in turn, has accused Israel of continuing airstrikes across Gaza despite the agreement.
Speaking recently, Marco Rubio said the United States hopes to avoid a return to full-scale fighting, emphasizing a long-term goal of demilitarizing Hamas and establishing a new security framework in Gaza.
Ongoing Tensions
The situation on the ground remains volatile, with intermittent strikes and military activity continuing despite the ceasefire. The killing of Hamed underscores the fragile nature of the truce and the ongoing efforts by Israel to target individuals it considers security threats.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the risk of renewed escalation remains high, with both sides maintaining sharply opposing positions on the future of Gaza and regional security.