Hamas's Interior Ministry in Gaza reports that a vehicle strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, killed Wa'el al-Ludawi, the head of its Internal Security Mechanism for the Central District, and officer Ramiz Abu Zureik. The IDF has not confirmed the operation.
Hamas's Interior Ministry in Gaza confirmed Sunday that the second operative killed in a vehicle strike in Deir al-Balah was officer Ramiz Abu Zureik, after earlier reports had indicated he was seriously wounded. The ministry's statement also identified the first killed as Wa'el al-Ludawi, the head of its Internal Security Mechanism for the Central District. The Israel Defense Forces have not confirmed the operation.
The strike was first reported around 12:38 Jerusalem, with initial Arab reports citing a drone strike on a Hamas jeep at the Jamil Wadi junction between Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. Those reports, cited by security analyst Yair Goldblatt, identified the target as Wael al-Dadaoui and said the strike seriously wounded Ramaz Abu Zariq. By 12:38 Jerusalem, security sources updated the status, stating both were killed instantly. The Hamas ministry's confirmation at 12:49 Jerusalem cemented the names as Wa'el al-Ludawi and Ramiz Abu Zureik.
The strike is the latest in a series of targeted operations against Hamas security officials in Gaza. As The Zioneer reported, the IDF and Shin Bet have eliminated several mid-level commanders and security chiefs in recent weeks, including the Rafah Brigade's military security chief Ismail Masri on June 29, the Rafah crossing police director Mahmoud al-Barim on July 2, and the Central Jabaliya Battalion security chief on July 15.
The IDF has not commented on the strike, and it remains unclear whether the military will confirm the operation. The exact time of the strike and the type of weapon used—described as a vehicle strike or drone strike—have not been specified by the Hamas ministry.
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