IDF says it killed Hamas commander who held Israeli hostages captive in Gaza

The IDF reports that it eliminated Hamas commander Momen Ahmad Salameh Ay during a strike in Gaza City. Arutz Sheva - Israel National News stated that Ay helped hold Israeli hostages captive and violated the Gaza ceasefire. Haaretz reported that the military identified him as an aide to commanders of the Hamas Gaza Brigade, alleging he sought to restore the group's capabilities and recently advanced attacks on Israeli civilians and troops in violation of the ceasefire.

According to the Jerusalem Post, U.S. officials and representatives of the Board of Peace are preparing to conduct a field survey and mapping operation in the Gaza Strip. This operation aims to identify locations where Hamas members would surrender weapons under a 20-point plan from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Israeli defense officials expressed confusion regarding the American approach to Gaza's post-war reconstruction, specifically regarding efforts to accelerate processes that may run counter to developments on the ground. A security official noted an enormous gap between Hamas's conduct and U.S. goals, stating that while the group previously attempted to create the impression it would disarm, it is now investing efforts into preparing for a return to fighting.

Military officials told Walla that the Gaza Strip is currently closer to escalation than to reconstruction or a negotiated arrangement.

Brief written by urgent.news from Haaretz, Arutz Sheva - Israel National News, Jerusalem Post — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.