As the Israel-Hamas conflict extends into its seventh month, negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas remain stalled. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to conduct operations in the southern Gazan town of Rafah, signaling a possible large-scale invasion.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a deadly airstrike in western Rafah on Sunday night resulted in the deaths of two senior Hamas officials. According to the IDF, Yassin Rabia, Hamas’ Chief of Staff in the Judea and Samaria wing, and Khaled Nagar, another high-ranking Hamas official, were killed in the strike.
In a statement on Sunday, the IDF detailed the roles of the deceased officials: “Hamas’ Judea and Samaria wing is responsible for the planning, funding, and execution of terror attacks throughout Judea and Samaria and within Israel. Yassin Rabia orchestrated numerous deadly attacks, including those in 2001 and 2002, which resulted in the deaths of IDF soldiers.”
The statement also attributed significant terrorist activities to Khaled Nagar, noting, “Nagar directed shooting attacks and other terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria, and facilitated the transfer of funds for Hamas’ operations in Gaza. Between 2001-2003, he carried out several fatal attacks, causing numerous Israeli civilian and military casualties.”
The airstrike in Rafah also claimed the lives of at least 50 individuals, including civilians, as reported by Action Aid UK.