Gaza Strip (Rajeev Sharm): Hamas has confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Samir Abu Younis, in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza. The Israeli military also confirmed that it killed the 53-year-old commander, who Hamas said had helped plan and oversee the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Abu Younis, who headed Hamas’ Rafah brigade, was killed on Saturday, according to the Palestinian group’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. The Israeli military said the strike took place overnight in the southern Gaza Strip.
Medics said the airstrike targeted Abu Younis on a street in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis. He was killed in the attack, while several others were wounded.
Who Was Samir Abu Younis?
According to Hamas, Abu Younis joined the group’s armed wing in 1991 and went on to hold several senior operational positions in Rafah before becoming commander of the Rafah brigade.
The Israeli military said he had taken charge of the brigade after his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid, was killed on September 15.
Hamas announced that Abu Younis’ funeral would be held in Khan Younis on Sunday afternoon.
Israel-Gaza War: Casualties Since October 2025 Ceasefire
A ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025 brought an end to major fighting in the Israel-Gaza war. However, Israeli attacks have continued, while the issue of Hamas’ disarmament remains unresolved.
Gaza health authorities say at least 1,600 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began. Five Israeli soldiers have also been killed during the same period.
The wider conflict began after Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, according to the figures cited by Israeli authorities. Palestinian authorities say Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 74,000 people.
