Key facts
- The Israeli army announced the killing of Mahmoud Fatair, identified as a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander.
- The strike occurred in the Deir al-Balah area of central Gaza over the weekend.
- The IDF alleged Fatair participated in the October 7th attacks, including hostage-taking.
- Recent IDF strikes have also targeted other individuals identified as Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives.
- The military stated that steps were taken to mitigate civilian harm in its operations.
The Israeli army reported on Saturday that it conducted a strike in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah area, resulting in the death of Mahmoud Fatair, whom the military identified as a commander within the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The army further alleged that Fatair was involved in the October 7, 2023, incursions into Israel and participated in taking a hostage, though no evidence was provided to support these claims.
Recent military operations have targeted other individuals in Gaza. The IDF announced it killed Hamas sniper Abdullah Baha al-Din Razak Al-Souti in northern Gaza. Additionally, Rashid Al-Qadhi, described as an Islamic Jihad commander responsible for weapons production, was killed in a strike in the southern Gaza Strip. The military also reported killing Wahid Abu Salam, who previously commanded a company in Khan Yunis and was accused of participating in the October 7th attacks and subsequent hostage-taking.
In a separate incident, Gazan sources claimed that Mohammad al-Waheidi, a senior member of a Palestinian aid organization, was killed along with three others, including two children, when a taxi they were in was struck in Gaza City. The Israeli military stated it struck a Hamas militant and acknowledged claims of civilian casualties, but did not confirm the identity of the target.