Israeli army says it killed senior Hamas military commander in Gaza

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army on Friday said that it killed a senior military commander of Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigades in an airstrike in the south of the Gaza City.

In a statement, the Israeli army and the Israeli Security Service (Shin Bet) identified the commander as Mustafa Dalul, who they said was the commander of Al-Qassam Brigades’ Sabra and Tal al-Hawa Battalion.

According to the statement, Dalul "played a central role" in fighting against the Israeli army in Gaza, and had several military positions in Al-Qassam Brigades over recent years.

The Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades has yet to comment on the Israeli claim.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army also said it struck and killed several Palestinian gunmen, but did not give any specific number.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli army said its death toll since the start of the military ground operation in Gaza on Tuesday has risen to 24.

The Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Nearly 10,800 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,227 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar