Gaza, Sep 2026 : Israel on Wednesday said its military killed Muhammad Abu Alwan, whom Israeli authorities identified as the head of Hamas' finance department, in an airstrike in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the reported killing in a joint statement, saying the strike targeted Hamas' financial network. They praised the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet for what they described as a precise operation against a senior Hamas figure.
According to the Israeli leaders, Abu Alwan played a role in Hamas' financial activities and was involved in maintaining the group's funding network. They said Israel would continue targeting Hamas commanders, operatives and financial sources as part of efforts to prevent the organisation from rebuilding its military capabilities in Gaza.
Gaza medical sources cited by Reuters said two people were killed when a vehicle was struck in western Khan Younis, while two others were wounded. The medical reports did not independently establish the identity of those killed. Hamas had not immediately commented on Israel's claim regarding Abu Alwan.
The reported strike comes amid continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza targeting Hamas leadership, infrastructure and financial networks.
Katz has also warned Hamas against attempting to abduct an Israeli soldier or civilian, saying any such incident would lead to further Israeli military action in the territory.
The Israeli defence minister has additionally said Israel would not withdraw from what it calls the “Yellow Line” in Gaza as long as Hamas remains in the territory and Gaza is not demilitarised.
Israel has repeatedly said its military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas' military and administrative capabilities and preventing the group from re-establishing its infrastructure.
Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, has been the principal target of Israel's military campaign in the territory following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The conflict has resulted in extensive casualties and destruction across Gaza, while efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and address the territory's future have continued amid international diplomatic efforts.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)