Hamas commander behind deadly attack on Israeli troops killed in drone strike

DDM News

A senior Hamas commander linked to the deadliest single attack on Israeli soldiers during the Gaza conflict has been killed.

The confirmation came from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency over the weekend.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the slain commander, Khalil Abed al-Nasser Mohammad Hatib, was a leading figure in the Maghazi Battalion of Hamas.

Hatib reportedly masterminded the January 22, 2024, attack that resulted in the deaths of 21 Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border.

According to IDF sources, Hatib’s unit launched rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at two buildings that were rigged with explosives.

They also targeted a tank providing cover for ground troops, triggering a deadly chain reaction.

The RPG fire ignited the planted explosives inside the buildings, leading to a massive blast.

The explosion killed 21 Israeli soldiers, making it the deadliest single incident for Israeli troops since the war began in October 2023.

The IDF revealed that Hatib was tracked and located by the elite 414th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit on Friday.

Following his identification, Israeli forces swiftly carried out a precision drone strike that neutralized him.

Officials say the operation was a joint intelligence and military effort between the IDF and Shin Bet.

Israeli military sources described the elimination of Hatib as a major blow to Hamas’s operational command in central Gaza.

They believe his death will significantly impair Hamas’s ability to plan and carry out further complex assaults.

The IDF and Shin Bet issued a joint statement reiterating their determination to pursue those behind attacks on Israeli personnel.

They emphasized their ongoing mission to hunt down all individuals involved in past or planned assaults on Israeli citizens and soldiers.

Hatib’s death comes as Israeli operations in central and southern Gaza continue with intensity.

Israel has prioritized the targeting of middle- and high-ranking Hamas commanders as a key strategy in the ongoing conflict.

Military analysts argue that the loss of experienced field commanders like Hatib erodes Hamas’s battlefield coordination.

The operation highlights Israel’s continuing use of drone technology for high-precision, intelligence-led assassinations.

It also demonstrates the integration between intelligence gathering and direct military action in real time.

The January 22 attack was a severe psychological and tactical blow to Israel’s forces, prompting increased operations in Gaza.

Since the war erupted on October 7, Israel has intensified its campaign to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure.

The conflict began after Hamas launched a surprise cross-border attack, triggering a prolonged and deadly war.

Since then, both sides have suffered heavy losses, with Israeli forces pushing deeper into Gaza territory.

The killing of Hatib is seen in Israel as both justice served and a message to Hamas leadership.

Military experts say Hamas may now face internal disruptions and fear among its mid-level ranks.

Meanwhile, human rights groups have continued to voice concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.

The Israeli military maintains that its operations are precise and aimed solely at militant targets.

Despite the targeting of commanders like Hatib, hostilities between the two sides show no sign of abating.

Israel continues to emphasize that the elimination of leadership figures is vital for restoring long-term security.

At the same time, international pressure is mounting for both parties to consider diplomatic resolutions.

With the death of Khalil Hatib, Israel appears committed to its current strategy of military pressure over negotiation.

Observers say the success of the drone strike will likely embolden Israeli forces to pursue more such operations.

But the question remains whether this tactical success will lead to broader strategic gains or further escalate the conflict.

As the Gaza war continues into its eighth month, the human and political costs continue to rise.

The Israeli government insists that dismantling Hamas’s military hierarchy is the only path to lasting peace.

DDM will continue to monitor developments in this evolving conflict.

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