Israel Defense Forces Kill Hamas Commanders in Gaza Strikes

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency conducted a series of targeted strikes across the Gaza Strip on September 13 and 14, 2026, killing several high-ranking Hamas members. In Gaza City, an air strike in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood killed two people and wounded 13 others. While health officials reported the victims' bodies were dismembered, the IDF identified the deceased as Hassan Ali Abu Nada and Abd al-Rahim Ahmad Khalil Khawa of the Hamas engineering unit.

Further operations in the southern Gaza Strip targeted the Khan Yunis Brigade, killing commander Muhammad Yazouri and company commander Hudheifa Muammar. Additional strikes eliminated Moamen Jabr al-Sayed Abu Labda, a sniper cell head, and Ismail Ibrahim Darwish Kandil, a Nukhba Force member. The IDF stated these individuals were targeted for violating ceasefire terms by rebuilding Hamas capabilities. Separately, Col. Omri Mashiah announced the complete destruction of an extensive Hamas tunnel network in Beit Hanun.

These escalations occur amid a fragile ceasefire established in October 2025. Hamas has accused Israel of violating the truce and obstructing a peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump, which calls for Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament. During a visit to Ireland, Donald Trump defended his administration's record, claiming the U.S. "put out the fire" and that "there's very little happening right now in Gaza."