This morning (Monday), Israeli special forces carried out a covert operation in the center of Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza. During the mission, at least two senior commanders in the military wings of Hamas and the Palestinian Resistance Committees were eliminated. The operation took place in the heart of the Strip under intense Israeli Air Force strikes.
Disguised as Women
According to reports from Arab news outlets Al-Mayadeen and Al-Arabiya, the Israeli force was disguised in women’s clothing in an effort to infiltrate a neighborhood north of Khan Yunis. During the raid, Ahmed Sarhan—a senior member of the military wing of the Resistance Committees in Gaza—and Mahdi Kawara—the commander of Hamas’s Southern Khan Yunis Battalion—were killed.
During the elimination, Sarhan’s wife and children were detained by Israeli forces and removed from the scene. The bodies of the two senior operatives were transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis.
Attempted Hostage Rescue?
Al-Mayadeen reported that the Israeli force attempted to reach an area where hostages were believed to be held but failed in the rescue attempt. According to the report, there were no Israeli casualties.
Following the operation, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across Khan Yunis. According to Al Jazeera, IDF forces carried out at least 30 airstrikes on various targets throughout the city, primarily using attack helicopters and artillery fire. The strikes targeted ground infrastructure in several areas, including residential neighborhoods and Hamas activity centers.
“No Change in the Situation”
Amid widespread reports and rumors of a hostage rescue, the IDF Spokesperson announced this morning that the operation was part of “Gideon’s Chariots,” and that the focused activity in Khan Yunis is part of a broader effort throughout Gaza. “The IDF is in the midst of the operation and is active across the entire Gaza Strip. There is no change in the situation,” the spokesperson stated.
Despite claims in Arab media regarding an attempted hostage rescue, the IDF did not address these in its official statement. Meanwhile, Al-Arabiya reported that IDF forces tried to reach hostages during the operation but failed. As of now, there is no official confirmation of such an attempt.
