Israel kills Hamas commander Samir Abu Younis in southern Gaza
Hamas called Younis a planner of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, and the Al-Mawasi strike also wounded at least two people.
Israel struck Al-Mawasi in southern Gaza on Saturday night and killed Hamas commander Samir Abu Younis, a figure Hamas said played a major role in planning the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed Younis' death and described him as one of the most important commanders in planning and overseeing the operation. The Israeli military and Shin Bet said they struck a senior member of Hamas' military wing, while other reports said Younis had only been appointed commander of the Rafah Brigade on Sept. 15. The strike came during a ceasefire in effect since October 2025, but Israel has continued to launch regular attacks on the Gaza Strip.