Hamas confirms death of Rafah brigade commander in Israeli strike in Gaza

Hamas’ armed wing has confirmed that its Rafah brigade commander, Samir Mahmoud Abu Younis, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency.

The Al-Qassam Brigades announced early Sunday that Abu Younis, who was also a member of its General Military Council, died in an Israeli strike targeting the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis.

Earlier, the Israeli military said it had conducted an operation with the Shin Bet domestic security agency, targeting a senior member of Hamas’ armed wing. However, it did not disclose the individual’s identity.

The Nasser Medical Complex had earlier reported that an Israeli drone strike in Al-Mawasi killed one Palestinian and injured two others.

Abu Younis had taken command of the Rafah brigade after his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid, was killed in an Israeli strike in Khan Younis on September 15.

Meanwhile, Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on October 10, 2025, have killed 1,643 Palestinians and injured another 5,964 as of Saturday, according to figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The ministry said the overall Palestinian death toll since the start of Israel’s military offensive in October 2023 had exceeded 74,000, while more than 176,000 people had been wounded, with women and children accounting for most of the casualties.

The Israeli offensive has also devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, destroying approximately 90% of it. The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will require around $71.4 billion.