Israeli forces kill senior Hamas commander in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz jointly announced the elimination of Izz al-Din Bik, identified as a commander of the Hamas Northern Gaza Strip Brigade. The targeted strike occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2026, hitting a building complex in the Nasr district of Gaza City. Palestinian medical sources and Hamas representatives confirmed the death, noting that one other individual was also killed in the operation.

Israeli officials stated that Bik was instrumental in planning attacks against military forces and managing the recruitment of new members for the organization. This action is part of an intensified campaign by the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet security service to dismantle Hamas’s leadership structure. The Israeli military reports it has eliminated at least 20 Hamas members this month, targeting those involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks or hostage operations.

Israel alleges that Hamas has been violating the October ceasefire by rearming and launching attacks, a claim that Hamas denies. The Israeli leadership has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all members of the organization until it no longer exists in Gaza.