Israel Defense Forces Strike Hamas Commanders and Seal Tunnels

The Israel Defense Forces sealed two Hamas tunnels totaling over two kilometers in length in the Gaza Strip, using combat engineers to fill the structures with sandbags. The military stated these actions align with current ceasefire agreements that allow for the removal of immediate threats. These operations occurred alongside reports from reservists that Hamas is regrouping and engaging in suspicious digging activities in central Gaza, though troops remain restricted by ceasefire regulations from intervening beyond a designated Yellow Line.

In a series of targeted strikes on August 19, 2026, the military eliminated several Hamas leaders, including two commanders in the Nuseirat and Tuffah areas and four Nukhba commanders from the Beit Lahia battalion in Al-Shati. Other operations included a strike on a cafe in the Gaza City port and a terror cell in Khan Yunis. The military reported that several targeted individuals participated in the October 7 massacre and were planning imminent attacks against Israeli troops. Palestinian media reported that a drone strike in Gaza City killed between seven and nine people.

Separately, the military and Mossad recovered the remains of Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, who had been missing since the 1982 First Lebanon War.