Israel Kills Hamas Operatives in Gaza Ceasefire Breach Strikes

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet conducted a series of strikes across the Gaza Strip on August 24 and 25, 2026, killing several Hamas operatives. In Khan Younis, the military eliminated Nukhba Force members Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma, a former bodyguard to Yahya Sinwar, and Hazem Mousa. Both men were identified as participants in the October 7 raid on the Re’im military base. Other targets included Ismail Mohammad Ibrahim Barim, an Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades commander in Khan Younis who held three hostages in a tunnel, and Mohammad Abu Asaad in Deir al-Balah.

Israeli officials stated the strikes were necessary because the targets were advancing plots against civilians and rebuilding Hamas military capabilities in breach of a ceasefire. Concurrent operations destroyed weapons-storage facilities in Jabalya, some of which were located within mosques. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz subsequently ordered a zero-tolerance policy regarding kite and balloon launches from Gaza into the Negev.

Palestinian factions expressed concern over the increase in targeted killings, alleging that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir intensified these operations ahead of October parliamentary elections. Hamas field sources confirmed Abu Shahma's role as a Nukhba Force company commander. In response to the ongoing conflict, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter accused Hamas of failing to disarm.