Israel Strikes Tent in Gaza Camp, Killing Senior Hamas Commander

Four missiles hit a single tent in a refugee camp in southern Gaza on Saturday, killing a senior Hamas commander and injuring three other people. The strike targeted Samir Abu Younis, a 53-year-old official who played a key role in the October 2023 attack on Israel. The impact caused a fire to break out at the Al-Waha camp in Al-Mawasi, a area that shelters hundreds of displaced residents.

Hamas confirmed Younis's death through its Al-Qassam Brigades military wing. A local Hamas official verified the news, describing the killing as a cowardly act. Younis had been appointed commander of the Rafah Brigade on September 15, taking over after the death of his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid. He joined Hamas' armed wing in 1991 and held several senior operational positions before his recent appointment.

The Israel Defence Forces and the security agency ISA stated in a Telegram post that they had eliminated Younis. The military described him as a central figure who aimed to restore the strength of the brigade. Officials said Younis directed fighters to attack Israeli civilians and troops. The Israeli military added that steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians before the strike was launched.

A medical source at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving three injured individuals and one body following the attack. The hospital is located in the southern city of Khan Younis, which will also host Younis's funeral on Sunday afternoon, according to Hamas. Al-Qassam Brigades noted that Younis participated in numerous high-profile operations and resisted enemy incursions during his career.

Younis was one of the most important commanders involved in planning and overseeing the October 7, 2023, attack. That event, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages, triggered the current war in Gaza. Since the conflict began, the Palestinian health ministry reports that more than 74,650 people have been killed in the territory. A ceasefire was reached last October, but Israel has continued occasional strikes targeting remaining Hamas militants, citing the terms of the agreement.