The Israeli military has reported that Ahmed Hassan Salameh a-Swarkeh, a squad commander within Hamas’s elite Nukhba force, was killed in a recent airstrike in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza. According to the IDF, a-Swarkeh was involved in a terror attack on October 7th, targeting Israeli towns, and later engaged in sniper attacks against Israeli forces in Beit Hanoun, according to Times of Israel.
The IDF had been monitoring a-Swarkeh for an extended period before he was located by troops from the 414th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit. Subsequently, an Israeli Air Force drone carried out the strike that resulted in his death. The military emphasized that prior to the operation, precautions were taken to prevent harm to civilians, and no civilians were injured during the airstrike.
In a statement, the IDF released footage of the strike, showing the moment a-Swarkeh was targeted. This action underscores Israel’s ongoing efforts to target individuals involved in terrorist activities while maintaining a focus on minimizing civilian casualties.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and military operations in Gaza, where periodic escalations and targeted strikes are part of broader efforts to mitigate threats posed by militant groups. The IDF’s operational response is part of its strategy to maintain security and defend against attacks aimed at Israeli communities and military personnel.