IDF Strike Kills Hamas Intelligence Chief in Khan Younis Linked to Oct. 7 Massacre

(Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

The IDF Spokesperson and the Shin Bet said Thursday that IDF and Shin Bet forces struck and killed Mohammad Abu Shahla yesterday, the Hamas Khan Younis Brigade's military intelligence commander.

Throughout the war, Shahla served as the intelligence officer for the brigade's senior leadership and took part in planning the Oct. 7 massacre in the Khan Younis Brigade. He had also been working recently to rebuild the organization's capabilities in the Gaza Strip, and planned to carry out terror operations against IDF forces operating in the Strip and against the State of Israel.

In the IDF's statement, it said that "The terrorist was targeted precisely in order to remove an immediate threat to IDF forces. Prior to the strike, steps were taken to minimize harm to civilians, including the use of precision munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence."

(Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

Meanwhile, the IDF spokesperson added that forces from the Gaza Division (143) continue to operate east of the Yellow Line in the southern Gaza Strip, clearing the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure above and below ground.

During the operation, troops located within a subterranean route a cache of weapons that included approximately 40 grenades, about 30 magazines, roughly 35 anti-tank rocket munitions, and about 30 firearms, including Kalashnikov-type rifles, intended to target IDF forces operating in the area.