The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) made an official announcement on Tuesday, reporting the successful elimination of Hamas commander Wael Asafa, a key figure behind the October 7th attack.
"The IDF eliminated Wael Asefa, Commander of Hamas' Deir al-Balah Battalion. Asefa aided in the dispatch of thousands of terrorists to assault, abduct and murder Israeli civilians on October 7th," IDF posted on X.
Furthermore, the IDF revealed that the airstrike that resulted in Asafa's death occurred on Sunday. This operation was carried out based on credible intelligence provided by the Shin Bet internal security service and the military.
Asafa had a history of involvement in terror activities against Israel and had previously served a prison sentence from 1992 to 1998. This development comes at a time when Israel has escalated its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli authorities have claimed that since launching their offensive on October 27, they have successfully neutralized several Hamas militants and dismantled critical infrastructure that the group relied upon.
In related actions, the IDF and the Shin Bet also targeted Mustafa Dalul, the commander of Hamas's Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, over the weekend. Additionally, on November 4, an Israeli drone targeted the residence of Hamas' leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Gaza. It's worth noting that Haniyeh, who serves as the political chief of the group, has been residing outside the Gaza Strip since 2019, primarily dividing his time between Turkey and Qatar.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed his commitment to eliminating Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be in hiding within a bunker.
(With agency inputs)
Also Read | No Ceasefire in Gaza Until Hamas Releases All Hostages, Asserts Benjamin Netanyahu
Also Read | Russia, China and Iran Backs Hamas online: Report
