The Israel Defense Forces eliminated the Rafah Brigade commander and head of the Hamas operations array, Abu Obeid, during the night, according to a report. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Abu Obeid "advanced terror schemes against our forces" and that "no terrorist is immune."
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Wednesday morning that the Rafah Brigade commander and head of the Hamas operations array, Abu Obeid, was eliminated overnight. Katz stated that Abu Obeid "advanced terror schemes against our forces" and that "no terrorist is immune," reinforcing the policy of pursuing senior commanders regardless of rank.
The elimination was first reported by The Zioneer intelligence desk Tuesday evening (22:08 Jerusalem), followed by official confirmation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz of the airstrike in southern Gaza's Mawasi area. Within hours, Gaza-based sources confirmed the death, and the IDF and Shin Bet issued a joint statement confirming Abu Obeid's elimination and revealing his dual role as Rafah Brigade commander and head of the Al-Qassam Brigades operations array. This marks the second Rafah Brigade commander eliminated in the war; his predecessor, Muhammad Shabana, was killed approximately 18 months ago.
As The Zioneer reported, Abu Obeid was responsible for directing terror activities against Israeli forces and civilians and for attempting to rebuild the Rafah Brigade's combat capabilities. The strike follows the elimination of the Khan Younis Brigade commander and the Jabaliya battalion commander earlier this week, part of a systematic campaign to decapitate Hamas's regional leadership. The Rafah sector remains a strategic center due to its control over the Philadelphi Corridor smuggling route.
The elimination is confirmed. The campaign against remaining Hamas commanders continues.
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