Senior Hamas military commander killed in Israeli strike in southern Gaza

Israeli airstrikes targeted and killed Samir Mahmoud Abu Younis, a prominent Hamas military commander, in southern Gaza on Saturday. Known as Abu Mahmoud, the 50-year-old commander oversaw the October 7, 2023 attacks that left dozens of Israelis dead. Hamas confirmed Abu Younis' death, citing his key role in planning and leading operations.

The Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency also confirmed the assassination, stating that Abu Younis had been in charge of the Rafah Brigade for about two months following the killing of his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid, on September 15. Abu Younis, a founding member of the Al Qassam Brigades in 1991, held several leadership positions within the brigade before his appointment as brigade commander.

He was detained in Israeli prisons and participated in various operations against Israeli forces. His funeral was held in Khan Younis on Sunday. Despite a ceasefire in October 2025, the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with at least 1,600 Palestinians and five Israeli soldiers killed since the truce began. Over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign launched following the October 7 attacks.