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An Israeli airstrike killed Hamas Rafah brigade commander Samir Abu Younis in southern Gaza. The attack underscores continuing violence despite the October 2025 ceasefire.
The Israeli military said it struck a senior Hamas military commander in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Sunday.
Nov 15, 2026 05:09 IST
The Israeli military said on Sunday it had carried out an airstrike targeting a senior commander of Hamas' armed wing in the southern Gaza Strip, with Hamas sources confirming that the attack killed Samir Abu Younis, the group's commander in the Rafah brigade.
The strike targeted Abu Younis in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, where he was travelling on a street, according to medical officials. Medics said he was killed in the attack, while several other people were wounded.
The latest strike comes despite the ceasefire agreement that took effect in Gaza in October 2025, bringing an end to large-scale fighting between Israel and Hamas but failing to stop deadly attacks in the Palestinian territory.
Gaza health authorities said at least 1,600 Palestinians had been killed since the ceasefire came into effect. Five Israeli soldiers have also been killed during the same period.
OCTOBER 2025 CEASEFIRE FAILED TO END ATTACKS
The ceasefire, part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, came into effect on October 10, 2025, following negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.
The initial phase of the agreement provided for a halt to fighting, the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops to agreed positions inside the enclave. It also envisaged an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
However, several major issues remained unresolved, including Hamas' disarmament, the future administration of Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. These outstanding questions have complicated efforts to move towards a lasting settlement.
Israel has continued military operations in Gaza despite the truce, while Hamas has maintained its opposition to Israeli military control of the territory.
The latest strike adds to the continuing violence in the enclave, where the ceasefire has not delivered a complete end to hostilities.
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With inputs from Reuters
