The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that they killed a Hamas leader who was involved in the October 7 attack against Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
The attack took place near Khan Younis, located in the south of the enclave, when a group of armed militants attempted to infiltrate the security fence from the Gaza side. The IDF responded with tank fire that killed two Hamas militants who had been armed with rifles and explosives.
According to the IDF, the leader of the attack was Abu El Majd Al-Amudi, a senior commander in both the military and political wings of Hamas. Al-Amudi was killed in the strike while the remaining militants managed to retreat back into Gaza.
The attack was the first such incident involving Israel and Hamas since a cease-fire agreement was brokered by Egypt and the UN back in mid-October. However, the IDF said that this incident “demonstrated Hamas’ desire to continue to perpetrate terrorism against the State of Israel and the IDF.”
The IDF also noted that this attack was part of a broader effort by Hamas to test Israeli resolve and to attempt to provoke a larger military confrontation. The military added that it “will not let anyone undermine our security interests and will respond to any attempt to do so with the full might of the IDF.”
In addition to the October 7 incursion, the IDF confirmed that its forces had killed at least four other Hamas militants in recent months who were involved in attacks against Israeli forces. The IDF did not provide any additional information beyond that but pledged to remain vigilant to ensure that Israel’s security was preserved.
