IDF eliminates Hamas commander who held three hostages in Gaza tunnel

The IDF struck and killed Ismail Mohammed Ibrahim Barim, a Hamas military wing commander, in Khan Yunis on Wednesday. Barim held hostages Edan Alexander, Matan Zangauker, and Avera Mengistu in a tunnel in southern Gaza. The IDF stated Barim had recently been advancing attacks against Israeli troops and civilians while attempting to rebuild Hamas capabilities in violation of the ceasefire agreement. The strike was conducted to remove the immediate threat. IDF forces under Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.