The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced a targeted strike on a Hamas operative inside Gaza’s Nasser Hospital compound.
In a statement on X, the IDF said:
“A key Hamas terrorist who was operating from within the Nasser Hospital compound in Gaza was precisely struck. The strike was conducted following an extensive intelligence-gathering process and with precise munitions in order to mitigate harm to the surrounding environment as much as possible.”
The Israeli military accused Hamas of using civilian sites as cover, stating:
“Hamas exploits civilian infrastructure while brutally endangering the Gazan population—cynically using an active hospital as a shelter for planning and executing murderous terrorist attacks in a direct violation of international law.”
IDF Confirms Elimination of Two Senior Hamas Commanders
In a separate statement, the IDF confirmed the killing of two key Hamas commanders, stating:
“ELIMINATED: Deputy commander of Hamas’ Gaza Brigade and the commander of Hamas’ Shejaiya Battalion.”
The IDF identified them as:
- Ahmad Salman ‘Awj Shimali – Responsible for Hamas’ military strategy and planning ahead of the October 7 attacks.
- Jamil Omar Jamil Wadiya – Led Shejaiya Battalion forces against the IDF and was involved in a past attack that resulted in the death of Daniel Viflic, 16.
US Envoy Blames Hamas for Renewed Fighting
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff rejected claims that Israel derailed ceasefire efforts, saying on Fox News:
“So this is on Hamas. The United States stands with Israel.”
Witkoff stated that Hamas refused a bridging proposal that could have extended the ceasefire into April.
In response, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of backing out of the deal:
“We have positively responded to all the efforts made towards us. It was Netanyahu that has backed down on the agreement.”
Ongoing Military Operations & Humanitarian Crisis
Israeli air and ground operations continued in Beit Hanoun and Rafah, while airstrikes in Lebanon targeted Hezbollah sites.
Meanwhile, UN official Philippe Lazzarini warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
“Every day that passes without the entry of vital humanitarian aid, including food, into the Gaza Strip brings the besieged territory closer to an acute hunger crisis.”
Casualty Updates
- Gaza Health Ministry: 50,021 dead, 113,274 wounded
- Gaza Government Media Office: Over 61,700 dead
- Israel (October 7 attacks): 1,139 dead, over 200 taken captive