A daring Israeli special forces mission deep in Gaza took a deadly turn this morning (Monday).
The target, Ahmad Sarhan, was a high-ranking commander in the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, the third-largest militant faction operating in Gaza. According to reports, nine IDF soldiers disguised as women infiltrated a Khan Younis neighborhood to carry out the snatch operation without raising suspicion.
Disguises, Deception, and a Failed Capture
Israeli forces, dressed in traditional women’s clothing, aimed to blend in as they approached a medical facility where Sarhan was reportedly receiving treatment. The IDF unit penetrated the area in disguise, but the plan fell apart mid-operation. Sarhan was killed during the confrontation, and his wife and children, who were with him at the time, were detained and brought to Israel for questioning. His body was transferred to a Gaza hospital.
Palestinian reports document heavy aerial and artillery cover provided by the Israeli Air Force throughout the raid, deployed to ensure safe extraction of the special ops team after the mission turned into a firefight.
Expanded Campaign Underway Across Gaza
This operation occurred against the backdrop of a broader IDF offensive—Operation Gideon’s Chariots —targeting militant strongholds throughout the Gaza Strip. IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a call earlier today urging residents of Khan Younis, Bani Suheila, and Abasan to evacuate toward the Al-Mawasi area ahead of an expanded assault.
The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes across central and southern Gaza, including Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, south of Nuseirat, and near the Yarmouk Stadium in central Gaza City.
Who Was Ahmad Sarhan?
Sarhan was considered a key operational commander within the Popular Resistance Committees. His responsibilities included coordinating terror attacks, particularly against Israeli forces in the Gaza theater. The attempt to capture him—rather than eliminate him outright—indicates his intelligence value to Israeli security services. While the operation did not go as planned, Israeli officials say his elimination is still considered a significant blow to terrorist infrastructure. Sarhan’s presence inside a medical facility underscores the frequent use of civilian institutions by militant groups as protective shields.
