by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – The Israeli military confirmed Wednesday that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) eliminated Mahmoud al-Aswad, Hamas’s General Security Apparatus leader in western Gaza, in a targeted strike carried out last Friday.
According to the IDF, al-Aswad served as a “significant source of knowledge” for Hamas and played a key role in the terror group’s security operations. The strike was conducted in coordination with Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Military Intelligence Directorate.
Ground Advances in Northern Gaza
While announcing al-Aswad’s death, the IDF also detailed ongoing combat operations across the Gaza Strip. Troops from the Givati Brigade, operating under the 162nd Division, engaged terror cells in Jabalya and the outskirts of Gaza City, destroying a weapons depot and dismantling Hamas infrastructure. Forces from the 99th Division struck observation posts and underground networks threatening Israeli troops.
Residents of Gaza City reported tanks entering the Ebad-Alrahman neighborhood late Tuesday, shelling houses and pushing civilians deeper into the city. Heavy overnight bombing in Gaza’s Zeitoun district was also reported.
Khan Younis Strikes and New Engineering Battalion
In southern Gaza, the IDF said soldiers eliminated Hamas operatives approaching their positions in Khan Younis, supported by the IAF. Airstrikes also destroyed a Hamas naval weapons storage site and a repair facility.
At the same time, the IDF announced the establishment of the 607th “Mapatz” Engineering Battalion, formed after lessons from October 7 to support infantry brigades in clearing terror tunnels and infrastructure. The new battalion has already joined combat operations in the north.
Humanitarian Corridors and Evacuation Push
With preparations intensifying for an assault on Gaza City, IDF Arabic-language spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee urged civilians to evacuate southward, rejecting “false rumors” that no space was available. He highlighted vast unoccupied areas in central refugee camps and Al-Mawasi, where Israel is building new tent encampments, water systems, and aid centers.
The IDF confirmed it will soon expand its humanitarian network to five aid distribution centers in southern Gaza. The UN said more than 800,000 people have been displaced since the end of the March ceasefire.
Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Dilemma
Meanwhile, political tensions remain over hostage negotiations. Israeli officials continue to reject proposals for a partial release deal. “If we are not careful, we will get a few hostages out now, and never see the rest again,” Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter told CNN. He emphasized that Israel’s war will not end until Hamas “surrenders or is destroyed.”
Leiter criticized Hamas’s leadership for operating freely from Qatar and Turkey, calling on the international community to shut down their safe havens. He warned that Hamas had rebuilt its ranks to 25,000-30,000 fighters during the previous ceasefire.
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