Is the Ceasefire Broken?

Elite Commander Down: Israel Takes Out North Gaza Nukhba Chief Yahya al-Mabhuh | WATCH

Israeli airstrike kills Yahya al-Mabhuh, commander of Hamas's elite Nukhba force in North Gaza, following ceasefire violations. Strike targeted cafe in Deir al-Balah.

Lara Sukster Mosheyof

OCT 19, 2025 17:16

2 min read

An Israeli airstrike on a café in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah reportedly killed a high-ranking commander from Hamas's elite Nukhba force, according to initial reports from the Saudi news outlet Al-Hadath.

The commander has been identified as Yahya al-Mabhuh, reportedly the leader of the North Gaza Brigade's Nukhba unit. The Nukhba is Hamas’s specialized commando force, which played a critical role in the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack on Israeli communities.

Local reports from Gaza indicate that the strike resulted in six fatalities at the site.

The attack was motivated by the Hamas violation of the ceasefire agreement this morning, as explained by the IDF:

"In the wake of repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and the criminal attack carried out by Hamas terror elements this morning, the IDF will respond with great force against terror infrastructure and Hamas elements."

Details of the Target and Location

The strike reportedly targeted al-Mabhuh while he was at a café in Deir al-Balah. The elimination of such a senior commander, particularly one associated with the Nukhba units, marks a significant blow to Hamas's military terrorist infrastructure.

The incident underscores the continued pressure exerted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the leadership and command structure of the terror group, even in areas that have seen shifting operational control.

As of press time, the IDF has not issued a formal, official confirmation of the targeted killing of Yahya al-Mabhuh. However, reports of the elimination of Nukhba commanders have become common as the IDF systematically targets those responsible for the October 7 massacre and ongoing attacks against Israeli forces.

The IDF now begins a wave of targeted eliminations across the Gaza Strip.