Israel says Hamas commander killed in Gaza despite ceasefire

2026-03-19 - 13:30

GAZA — The Israeli army said Thursday it had killed a Hamas commander in southern Gaza. Palestinian officials described the attack as a continued violation of a ceasefire in place since October.In a military statement, Israel said Mohammed Abu Shahla was “eliminated” on Wednesday, identifying him as the military intelligence chief of the Khan Younis Brigade within Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.The army claimed Abu Shahla had been working to rebuild Hamas’ capabilities and was planning attacks against Israel.There was no immediate response from Hamas regarding the claim.Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, now in its second year, has killed more than 71,000 people and injured over 172,000, according to local health authorities, while destroying around 90% of civilian infrastructure. The United Nations estimates reconstruction costs at approximately $70 billion.Although a US-backed ceasefire came into effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Israeli forces have continued near-daily strikes, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting at least 677 people killed and 1,813 injured since the truce began.