Israel Claims Elimination of Senior Hamas Commander Amid Cease‑fire Tensions

Hamas denounces Saturday’s strike as a breach of the truce

The Israeli Defense Forces announced on Sunday that they had neutralised a senior Hamas operative during a targeted operation on Saturday, despite the ongoing cease‑fire agreement between the two sides.

According to Israeli officials, the operation was carried out in a high‑value location in the Gaza Strip, where intelligence indicated the presence of a commander responsible for recent militant activities. The Israeli statement claimed the strike was precise and aimed at preventing further attacks on Israeli territory.

Hamas, however, responded by condemning the incident as a clear violation of the truce that was supposed to hold until a permanent cease‑fire could be negotiated. In a brief statement released by the group’s political bureau, Hamas described the Israeli action as “an unprovoked aggression that undermines the fragile peace process.”

When asked for comment, Hamas officials declined to address Israel’s claim that one of their senior figures had been killed, stating only that the attack itself was a “breach of the agreement” and that they would “continue to defend the Palestinian people.”

The development comes at a delicate moment, with both sides under international pressure to maintain the cease‑fire while seeking a broader resolution to the conflict. Observers note that any further escalation could jeopardise ongoing diplomatic efforts and exacerbate humanitarian concerns in the region.