On Saturday, the Israeli Air Force confirmed the targeted killing of Ali Qadhi, the Hamas commander and mastermind behind the 'Nukhba' commando force, which orchestrated a ruthless and unprecedented assault on Israel, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives.
Qadhi met his demise in a precision drone strike, executed through collaborative intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet security agency and the Military Intelligence Directorate. In a statement, the Air Force declared, "Based on precise IDF and ISA intelligence, IAF aircraft eliminated Ali Qadhi, a company commander of the Hamas 'Nukhba' commando force, responsible for the recent terror attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip last weekend."
Furthermore, it was revealed that Qadhi had previously been apprehended by Israel in 2005 for his involvement in the abduction and murder of Israelis. Subsequently, he was released to the Gaza Strip as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange initiative. Qadhi now stands as the second senior Hamas leader to be eliminated by Israeli forces in a mere 24-hour span.
Earlier on the same day, the Israeli Air Force reported the successful elimination of Murad Abu Murad, the head of Hamas' aerial wing, in overnight airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. In a tweet, the Air Force stated, "Last night, IAF fighter jets conducted wide-scale strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. These included dozens of Hamas terror targets, as well as 'Nukhba' terrorist operatives who were stationed in the Gaza Strip."
According to the Air Force, Abu Murad bore significant responsibility for the brutal and unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in hundreds of casualties. He had been the directing force behind last week's assault. The Air Force also disclosed that a terrorist cell's attempt to infiltrate Israel from Lebanon was thwarted, with "several terrorists" eliminated in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strike.
The Israel-Hamas Conflict
The ongoing week-long war has taken a heavy toll on both sides, with over 3,500 lives lost, and tensions escalating throughout the region. The death toll in Gaza from Israeli airstrikes has reached 2,215, including 724 children and 458 women, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Conversely, over 1,300 people have perished in Israel due to the recent Hamas attacks.
Israeli tanks and artillery have been mobilized near the Gaza border in anticipation of a potential ground offensive. IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus emphasized that they are preparing for the next stage of operations.
The relentless Israeli airstrikes over the past week have decimated entire neighborhoods, intensifying the suffering in Gaza, which remains cut off from essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, and is enduring a near-total power blackout. Israel's evacuation order has drawn criticism from numerous organizations, including the UN and WHO.
Simultaneously, an agreement has been reached between the United States, Egypt, and Israel to facilitate the movement of foreigners in Gaza through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, following Israel's ultimatum for 1.1 million Palestinians to evacuate southern Gaza, which heightened tensions.
Additionally, US State Secretary Antony Blinken, during his visit to Qatar, declared efforts to establish humanitarian corridors to aid civilians suffering due to the conflict. He emphasized the need to protect civilians while acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned that militant groups in Lebanon are prepared to respond to any Israeli actions, potentially expanding the war's scope across the Middle East and causing significant upheaval for Israel.
Israel has mobilized around 360,000 reserves and positioned troops and tanks along the Gaza border, though no official decision has been made regarding a ground offensive. Limited ground operations in Gaza were conducted by Israel on Friday.
