Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has confirmed that its Rafah Brigade commander, Samir Abu Younis, also known as Abu Mahmoud, was martyred in an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip, as Israel continues its attacks despite the ceasefire agreement.

Abu Younis, 53, was killed overnight when an Israeli airstrike targeted him in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, according to Palestinian medical sources. Several other people were also wounded in the attack.

The Israeli military and the Shin Bet security agency announced that they had carried out a joint operation targeting a senior commander in Hamas' armed wing but did not initially identify the individual.

In a statement, the Al-Qassam Brigades mourned Abu Younis, describing him as a veteran commander who joined the resistance movement in 1991 and gradually rose through its ranks to assume several senior operational responsibilities in Rafah.

The group said Abu Younis had been among the key commanders involved in planning and overseeing the October 7, 2023, operation.

He previously held several senior positions within the Rafah Brigade before assuming its command following the martyrdom of his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid, in an Israeli strike in September.

Abu Obeid had succeeded Muhammad Shabana, who was also martyred in an Israeli airstrike in May 2025.

Israeli attacks continue despite ceasefire

The latest assassination highlights the continued Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025, which was supposed to halt major fighting and pave the way for a reduction in hostilities.

Although the agreement brought an end to large-scale military operations, Israeli forces have continued carrying out airstrikes and other attacks across the besieged Palestinian territory, leaving more Palestinians dead and wounded.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 1,600 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect, while repeated violations have further undermined efforts to stabilize the situation.

The continued attacks have also deepened the suffering of Gaza's civilian population, which is struggling with widespread destruction, displacement, shortages of essential supplies and a collapsing humanitarian infrastructure.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel's ongoing military operations and threats of further attacks continue to raise serious concerns over the protection of Palestinian civilians and the prospects for a lasting end to the bloodshed in Gaza. (ILKHA)