In a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, Israeli forces struck a devastating blow to Hamas's financial lifeline with the elimination of Muhammad Abu Alwan, head of the terror organization's finance department.
Abu Alwan, who began his work with the organization nearly a decade ago, was responsible for budgeting all of Hamas's operational branches. According to security officials, under his direct guidance more than a billion shekels were transferred during the war to fund terror activities, making him a critical factor in preserving the organization's governance and survival in Gaza.
In recent weeks, Abu Alwan worked to restore Hamas's capabilities through systematic violations of the ceasefire agreement. His elimination was carried out to remove this immediate threat.
The IDF and Shin Bet emphasized that efforts to strike at the organization's financial arteries continue, including targeted operations against terrorists and the network of money changers and facilitators who manage transfers worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Security forces remain deployed in the area in accordance with existing agreements and will continue to act decisively to remove all security threats.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement: "The IDF eliminated Muhammad Abu Alwan, head of the finance department of the Hamas terror organization, in Khan Yunis.
"The Prime Minister and Defense Minister commend the IDF and Shin Bet for the precise operation and for their offensive activity to thwart our enemies.
"We continue to pursue Hamas commanders and operatives, strike at its funding sources, and destroy terror infrastructure. We will not allow Hamas to rebuild its strength and will not stop until there is no Hamas in Gaza."
