IDF Eliminates Militants Planting Explosives in Gaza

terrorists eliminated by IDF (IDF Spokesperson)

The Israel Defense Forces announced Monday that it had killed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant in the Shati area of Gaza the previous day. The militant, identified as Sabhi Khadr Hashem al-Batrahi, was involved in planting explosives targeting Israeli forces operating in the coastal enclave, according to the military.

In a separate strike conducted several days earlier, the IDF eliminated Ahmad Fuad Khalil Khallas, described as a member of the Nukhba force, the elite commando unit of Hamas's military wing. Khallas also participated in planting explosives and carrying out operations against Israeli troops in Gaza, the military said.

According to the IDF's official statement, both militants had recently advanced terror operations against Israeli forces and civilians, systematically violating the ceasefire agreement. The strikes were carried out to remove the immediate threat they posed to Israeli troops.

The eliminations add to a series of military operations the IDF has conducted in Gaza in recent days. Last week, an IDF engineering vehicle struck an explosive device planted by Hamas in the Yellow Line area in northern Gaza. The military characterized the incident as "a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement by the Hamas terror organization."

In recent weeks, Israeli forces have also eliminated several senior Hamas operatives in the Strip, including two Nukhba fighters who participated in the October 7 massacre at the Re'im military base. One of those killed had served as a bodyguard to Hamas's late leader Yahya Sinwar.

Israeli security officials emphasized that the military continues targeted operational activity in Gaza to remove immediate threats to both Israeli forces and civilians. The precision strikes are being carried out based on intelligence guidance and according to operational needs on the ground.