In a major blow to Hamas’ capabilities, Israel has eliminated a top Hamas commander in an airstrike targeting the Gaza Strip. Ayman Nofal, known by his alias “Abu Ahmed,” was the commander of the Central Brigade of Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, one of the most influential and powerful groups within the terrorist organization. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the successful operation on Tuesday, stating that Nofal was “one of the most dominant figures in the terrorist organization.”
The death of Ayman Nofal was confirmed by both the IDF and the al-Qassam Brigades. According to the IDF, Nofal was responsible for directing numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and was involved in the planning of the abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. “We just eliminated Ayman Nofal, a senior Hamas operative. Nofal was the Commander of Hamas’ Central Brigade in Gaza and the former Head of Military Intelligence,” the IDF stated, along with a video footage of the airstrike. “We won’t stop until we eliminate Hamas.”
This targeted airstrike is part of Israel’s response to the recent attack by Hamas on October 7, in which the terrorist group invaded Israeli territory and carried out a massacre of civilians, including children and infants. Last week, the IDF announced the elimination of another Hamas commander, Ali Qadi, who was responsible for leading the attack.
Ali Qadi, also known as the commander of Hamas’ “Nakba Force,” was targeted in a similar operation using intelligence gathered by the Military Intelligence Directorate. “Ali Qadi led the inhumane, barbaric October 7 massacre of civilians in Israel. We just eliminated him. All Hamas terrorists will meet the same fate,” the IDF stated.
We just eliminated Ayman Nofal, a senior Hamas operative.
Nofal was the Commander of Hamas’ Central Brigade in Gaza and the former Head of Military Intelligence.
Nofal directed many attacks against Israeli civilians and besides being one of the most dominant figures in the… pic.twitter.com/t686L6gSuN
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 17, 2023
Since the October 7 attack, Israel has been carrying out around-the-clock airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. The IDF has also warned civilians in Gaza to flee the area, as Hamas often uses innocent civilians as human shields. However, many civilians have been prevented from leaving the territory by Hamas.
Hamas has attempted to paint Israel as the aggressor, claiming that their airstrikes are targeting civilians. However, the terrorist group is also holding nearly 200 people hostage, including Israelis and Americans, and has threatened to kill them if Israel does not meet their demands. This includes the release of imprisoned terrorists and lifting of the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The successful elimination of top Hamas commanders is a significant blow to the terrorist group’s capabilities and a major victory for Israel. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, the international community is closely watching the situation and calling for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.