Key facts
- Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem reportedly survived an Israeli air strike on Thursday.
- The strike targeted Qassem's vehicle west of Gaza City.
- Qassem's aide, Mohammed al-Fayoumi, was killed in the attack.
- At least six other individuals were killed by Israeli shelling in Gaza on Thursday.
- Israel announced the killing of two senior terrorists in separate operations in Gaza.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem reportedly survived an Israeli air strike targeting his vehicle west of Gaza City on Thursday, according to Al Arabiya television and Palestinian media. His aide, Mohammed al-Fayoumi, was killed in the attack.
Security sources indicated that Qassem was not in the vehicle when it was hit. The strike occurred as Israel reported killing two senior terrorists in separate operations in Gaza over the preceding two days. The IDF and Shin Bet identified one as Waheed Abu Salam, a Hamas operative involved in the Oct. 7 attack and subsequent abductions, who had commanded Hamas' western Khan Younis company and was involved in rebuilding weapons capabilities. The other was identified as Rashid al-Kadhi, head of a department in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's weapons production unit, who played a central role in manufacturing and supplying weapons.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning to Iran, stating Israel was prepared to resume military operations if necessary and that there was "no place where you can hide." He added that the IDF remained "on alert and ready to renew the campaign."
On Thursday, at least six people were killed by Israeli shelling across the Gaza Strip. Despite months of operations, Hamas continues to control much of Gaza's civilian administration, according to local reports. Displaced Palestinians are living in tent encampments and relying on humanitarian aid.