Israeli forces conducted an airstrike targeting Ayman Nofal, also known as “Abu Ahmed,” the commander of the Central Brigade of Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades on Tuesday. Nofal, described as “one of the most dominant figures in the terrorist organization,” was killed in the strike in the Gaza Strip, as confirmed by both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the al-Qassam Brigades.
The IDF announced the successful operation and shared video footage of the airstrike on social media. Nofal had been responsible for directing numerous attacks against Israeli civilians, including his involvement in planning the abduction of Gilad Shalit. His elimination was part of Israel’s commitment to combat Hamas.
Nofal was responsible for overseeing Hamas’s operations in the central region of the Gaza Strip and played a role in coordinating terror attacks in collaboration with other radical Islamic groups based in Gaza. His elimination marked a significant achievement for Israel in its response to Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.
In the previous week, the IDF announced the elimination of another Hamas commander, Ali Qadi, who led the “Nakba Force.” Qadi had orchestrated the brutal attack on civilians in Israel earlier that month, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives, including children and infants. The IDF expressed its resolve in eliminating all Hamas terrorists involved in such heinous acts.
As a response to the Hamas attack, Israel has been conducting continuous airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities have urged Gaza civilians to evacuate the area, but Hamas has hindered their ability to leave, and the terrorist group is notorious for using innocent civilians, including children and infants, as human shields. Hamas has also taken nearly 200 hostages, which include Israelis and Americans, and is holding them captive in the Gaza Strip. In the ongoing conflict, Hamas has threatened to harm Israeli hostages if specific conditions are not met, while at the same time attempting to portray Israel negatively for airstrikes on military targets in the Gaza Strip.