IDF Strike in Gaza

IDF Kills Hamas Rafah Brigade Commander

Samir Abu Younis had led Hamas's Rafah Brigade for about two months after Israel killed the previous commander in September.

Jfeed Staff

NOV 15, 2026 12:16

2 min read

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The IDF and the Shin Bet security agency killed Samir Mahmoud Hassan Abu Younis, commander of the Rafah Brigade in Hamas's military wing, in an airstrike in southern Gaza overnight Saturday.

According to the military and the Shin Bet, Abu Younis had led the Rafah Brigade for only about two months. He took over after Israel killed the previous brigade commander, Na'el Abu Obeid, on September 15. Before that he held a series of roles in the brigade, including deputy brigade commander and commander of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion. The IDF and Shin Bet described him as a central figure among Hamas's senior ranks.

Hamas said Abu Younis was one of the architects of the October 7 massacre.

The moment of the strike (IDF Spokesperson)

He directed the brigade's terrorists in advancing and carrying out terror plots against Israeli civilians and IDF troops, according to the statement. He also worked to try to rebuild the military capabilities of the brigade and of Hamas as a whole, both of which suffered severe damage over the course of the war.

"Security forces in the Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to act to remove any immediate threat," the statement said.