IDF eliminates Hamas Nukhba deputy commander Waleed Haniyeh, nephew of Ismail Haniyeh

Targeted Elimination

According to material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, the IAF conducted a precision strike under the intelligence guidance of the ISA to eliminate Waleed Haniyeh. As a deputy commander within the elite Nukhba Force, Haniyeh held a significant operational role in the Hamas military wing. His death follows reports from Gaza on Friday regarding his burial, which was marked by anti-Israel incitement and gunfire.

Role in October 7 and Ongoing Activity

Security officials state that Haniyeh was not merely a symbolic figure due to his family ties, but an active field commander. On October 7, 2023, he personally infiltrated Israeli territory as part of the initial wave of the massacre. Beyond his own participation, the IDF reports that Haniyeh directed a specific squad of terrorists during the abduction of Israeli civilians into the Gaza Strip.

In the period leading up to his elimination, Haniyeh remained a high-value target due to his efforts to maintain Hamas's operational continuity. The military confirmed that he was actively recruiting new operatives to replenish the ranks of the Nukhba Force and was leading theoretical training sessions for the company under his command.

Strategic Context

The elimination of Haniyeh is part of a broader, systematic campaign by the IDF and ISA to dismantle the remaining leadership of the Nukhba Force. This unit was the primary engine behind the October 7 invasion, and the IDF has consistently prioritized the targeting of its commanders. The strike also underscores the continued pressure on the Haniyeh family's operational network within Gaza, following the previous deaths of several of Ismail Haniyeh's children and grandchildren in military strikes earlier in the conflict.