The IDF, directed by the Shin Bet, eliminated Waleed Haniyeh — deputy commander of a Hamas Nukhba company and nephew of the late Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh — in an operation Saturday, the military says. Haniyeh led a cell that crossed into Israel on October 7 and took part in directing the abduction of Israeli civilians into Gaza.
The IDF confirmed Saturday evening that Waleed Haniyeh, the deputy commander of a Hamas Nukhba company and a nephew of the late Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, was eliminated in an operation that concluded earlier Saturday. The military stated that Haniyeh commanded a cell that infiltrated Israel on October 7, 2023, and directed the abduction of Israeli civilians into Gaza. He had recently been recruiting new operatives and leading ideological training for his Nukhba unit.
Initial reports of Haniyeh's death emerged Friday, when Palestinian media documented his burial in Gaza amid celebratory gunfire and anti-Israel chants, as The Zioneer reported at 15:10 Jerusalem on Friday. At 20:36 Jerusalem on Saturday, the IDF published its first statement confirming the elimination, identifying Haniyeh as a Nukhba deputy commander and nephew of Ismail Haniyeh. Within minutes, three further versions followed — each adding detail: first that he commanded the Oct. 7 cell, then that he specifically directed a hostage-taking cell, and finally consolidating all details including the official confirmation of his rank as deputy company commander.
As The Zioneer has reported, the elimination extends a sustained campaign against Nukhba operatives. On June 22, the IDF confirmed the killing of Sabai Abu Hasna, a Nukhba operative who held hostage Omer Shem Tov. On June 21, Ahmed Washah and Abd al-Rahman Abu Gharkud were eliminated in a separate strike.
The specific location and timing of the strike that killed Haniyeh have not been disclosed by the military.
7 developments
- DevelopingHamas Nukhba operative Waleed Haniyeh buried amid gunfire and anti-Israel chants
- StrongFuneral of Ismail Haniyeh's nephew chants 'October 7th will return'
- DevelopingIDF strike kills Hamas cell leader in southern Gaza; 8 reported dead in tent camp attack
- DevelopingIDF strike kills third Hamas operative tied to hostage holding, security source says
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