Israel kills Hamas Rafah Brigade commander tied to Oct. 7 attack
What's new: Samir Abu Younis had led the brigade since Sept. 15, after his predecessor Nael Abu Obeid was killed.
Israel killed Samir Abu Younis, the Hamas commander leading the Rafah Brigade, in an overnight strike in Al-Mawasi near Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Israeli and Hamas officials said. Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades said Abu Younis, 53, helped plan and oversee the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The Israeli military said he had directed attacks against Israeli civilians and troops and had been trying to rebuild the brigade after months of war. Witnesses told the BBC that missiles hit a tent in Al-Waha camp, a site sheltering displaced people, and a medical source at Nasser Hospital said three injured people and one body arrived there. Abu Younis had taken command on Sept. 15 after Nael Abu Obeid was killed.