Hamas spokesperson survives strike; aide killed, Israel says commander also targeted

• Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem reportedly survived an Israeli air strike on Thursday.
• Qassem's aide, Mohammed al-Fayoumi, was killed in the attack.
• Israel announced the killing of Yahya Saeed Muhammad Hamdan, a Hamas commander allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks.
• At least six other individuals were killed by Israeli shelling in Gaza on Thursday.
• Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning to Iran regarding potential military operations.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem reportedly survived an Israeli air strike that targeted 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 Qassem was not in the vehicle when it was hit.

Separately, Israel's military announced it killed Yahya Saeed Muhammad Hamdan, identified as the head of the Qassam Brigades Nukhba Forces unit, who allegedly participated in the October 7, 2023 attacks. The IDF and Shin Bet also identified Waheed Abu Salam, a Hamas operative involved in the Oct. 7 attack and subsequent abductions, and Rashid al-Kadhi, head of a department in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's weapons production unit, as senior terrorists killed in separate operations.

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.