The Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza has announced the assassination of Brigadier General Ahmed al-Qudra, chief of the Anti-Narcotics Department and a member of the police command council, following an Israeli airstrike on Khan Yunis early Tuesday morning.

In an official statement mourning his death, the ministry described Brig. Gen. al-Qudra as a devoted servant of the Palestinian people who continued to perform his duties with steadfast commitment throughout the Israeli military’s ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.

"Despite the genocidal aggression and relentless bombardment, Brigadier General Qudra remained at his post, carrying out his responsibilities with courage and integrity," the statement read.

The Gaza interior ministry accused the Israeli occupation forces of systematically targeting members of Gaza’s civil and security infrastructure, particularly the police and emergency services, in an effort to destabilize internal order in the Strip. “The Israeli occupation is deliberately striking our security and police personnel as part of its attempts to sow chaos and undermine the resilience of the Palestinian people,” the ministry said.

Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023, multiple members of Gaza’s civil defense, police force, and health sector have been killed in airstrikes targeting police stations, government buildings, and emergency response centers.

The ministry further emphasized that despite such losses, it remains committed to fulfilling its duties to protect the people of Gaza and maintain internal order amid unprecedented devastation. “We will not allow the occupation to break our will or fragment our society. Our security institutions will continue to operate and resist every attempt to destabilize Gaza from within,” it vowed.

Brig. Gen. Ahmed al-Qudra’s assassination marks yet another high-profile loss for Gaza’s civil leadership, underscoring the increasing intensity and scope of Israel’s targeting of civilian and administrative structures under the pretext of war.

His funeral is expected to be held later today, with thousands likely to attend in defiance of ongoing Israeli attacks and to honor a man remembered for his steadfast service to his people. (ILKHA)