Israel strikes Hamas commander in Gaza, group says senior military leader killed

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An Israeli airstrike killed Hamas Rafah brigade commander Samir Abu Younis in southern Gaza. The attack underscores continuing violence despite the October 2025 ceasefire.

The Israeli military said on Sunday it had carried out an airstrike targeting a senior commander of Hamas' armed wing in the southern Gaza Strip, with Hamas sources confirming that the attack killed Samir Abu Younis, the group's commander in the Rafah brigade.

The strike targeted Abu Younis in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, where he was travelling on a street, according to medical officials. Medics said he was killed in the attack, while several other people were wounded.

Younis, 53, served as commander of Hamas' Rafah brigade and had been part of its armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, since 1991, holding several senior operational positions in the area.

The latest strike comes despite the ceasefire agreement that took effect in Gaza in October 2025, bringing an end to large-scale fighting between Israel and Hamas but failing to stop deadly attacks in the Palestinian territory.

Gaza health authorities said at least 1,600 Palestinians had been killed since the ceasefire came into effect. Five Israeli soldiers have also been killed during the same period.

The ceasefire, part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, came into effect on October 10, 2025, following negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

The initial phase of the agreement provided for a halt to fighting, the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops to agreed positions inside the enclave. It also envisaged an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.

However, several major issues remained unresolved, including Hamas' disarmament, the future administration of Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. These outstanding questions have complicated efforts to move towards a lasting settlement.

Israel has continued military operations in Gaza despite the truce, while Hamas has maintained its opposition to Israeli military control of…

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