The IDF and Shin Bet eliminated Muhammad Yazouri, commander of Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade in Gaza, in a precise strike in the Khan Younis area last night (Thursday), the military confirmed Friday. According to the military, Yazouri — in the role for just over two years — advanced dozens of terror attacks against Israeli troops and sought to rebuild the brigade's capabilities. The same strike also killed company commander Hudheifa Muammar and Hamas operative Muhammad Bahjat Rashi; Yazouri had replaced Rafa'a Salama, eliminated alongside Muhammad Deif in July 2024.
The IDF and Shin Bet (ISA) confirmed Friday morning that a precise strike overnight Thursday eliminated Muhammad Yazouri, commander of Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade in the Gaza Strip. The military said the same strike, in the Khan Younis area, also killed company commander Hudheifa Muammar and Hamas operative Muhammad Bahjat Rashi.
According to the joint IDF-ISA statement, Yazouri — appointed after serving as deputy commander of the brigade, commander of its combat support battalion and head of its intelligence department — was responsible for directing the brigade's terrorists in attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, and in recent months worked to advance dozens of attacks and rebuild the brigade's force buildup after significant wartime damage. The military said steps were taken before the strike to reduce harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.
Israeli reports note Yazouri replaced Rafa'a Salama, the brigade commander on October 7, who was eliminated alongside Muhammad Deif in a strike in July 2024; Yazouri served just over two years in the post. The IDF said troops under Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.
2 developments
- StrongIDF: Hamas company commander Hudhaifa Qawari eliminated in Khan Yunis strike
- DevelopingIDF drone strike kills Hamas battalion commander in Khan Younis, second operative
- DevelopingIDF names two Hamas operatives killed last week: Oct. 7 infiltrator and tunnel chief
- StrongIDF says Monday Khan Younis strike eliminated Nukhba terrorist who helped kill Nahal commander on Oct. 7
Source and signal
- Open-source intake