Israel Defense Forces Kill Five Hamas Commanders in Gaza Strikes

The Israel Defense Forces conducted a series of precision airstrikes in the Gaza Strip between July 20 and July 21, 2026, targeting high-ranking Hamas officials and military infrastructure. The operations resulted in the deaths of five commanders, including Muhannad Asaad Mahmoud Abu Ghazal, a Nukhba Force cell commander involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks, and Nabhan Mohammed Nabhan Al-Amsi, head of the Military Intelligence Desk in the Gaza Brigade.

Other targeted individuals included Raed Hani Mohammed Al-Amsi, an aerial surveillance platoon commander, Fares al-Masri, a weapons production department head, and Nukhba Force member Muhammad Abu Shakyan. In addition to the targeted killings, the military dismantled underground infrastructure, manufacturing sites, and weapons storage facilities.

The military stated these actions were necessary to remove immediate threats. It further alleged that Hamas had been systematically violating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began on October 10, 2025, by attempting to rebuild its military capabilities and terrorist infrastructure.