Israel's military says it killed four Hamas operatives in targeted strikes in Gaza, including a commander linked to the October 7, 2023 attacks and hostage-taking. Forces also destroyed an approximately 2-kilometre tunnel and released footage showing explosions along the route. Despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025, strikes and lethal incidents have continued; Israel says it has intensified operations against senior Hamas figures. Separately, two Israeli soldiers were reported killed in a drone-related accident.
Israel Says It Killed Four Hamas Operatives, Destroyed 2 km Tunnel in Gaza
ILLUSTRATION - Masked fighters of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing Hamas, handle their weapons. (is associated with: «Israel kills four Hamas members in Gaza, destroys 2 km tunnel») Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Israel's military announced on Friday that it carried out targeted strikes in the Gaza Strip that killed four members of Hamas' military wing, including a commander it says was involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks and later held abducted Israeli hostages. The armed forces also said one of those killed had been responsible for transferring funds to the group.
Operation Details
The military said the operatives were preparing attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians and working to rebuild Hamas' operational capabilities—actions the military characterised as breaches of the standing ceasefire. "The terrorists were eliminated to remove the threat they posed," the Israeli military said in a statement.
Footage released by the Israeli armed forces showed explosions along what officials described as an underground route after they said they destroyed a tunnel roughly two kilometres long in the Gaza Strip.
Local Reports And Wider Context
Palestinian news agency WAFA reported multiple fatalities in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including in the north of the territory. A ceasefire has technically been in place since October 2025, but deadly strikes and targeted operations have continued. Israel has said it recently stepped up air operations and targeted senior Hamas figures in specific missions.
Under a US-backed peace plan both sides are required to halt hostilities; Israeli forces are permitted to act in self-defence only in response to defined threats. When announcing targeted strikes, the military typically states those struck were planning attacks on soldiers or civilians.
Separate Incident
Separately, the Israeli military reported on Friday morning that two soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip. Israeli statements said they died on Thursday in an accident involving a drone.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated this week: "We will not stop until Hamas no longer exists in the Gaza Strip."
The situation remains tense, with international calls for restraint and continued monitoring of developments in the area.
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