Israeli military says senior Islamic Jihad commander killed in Deir Al-Balah strike

The Israeli military announced on Monday that it had carried out a strike in the Deir Al-Balah area of central Gaza, claiming to have killed Mahmoud Fatair, whom it described as a commander in the elite forces of the Central Camps Brigade of Islamic Jihad.

In a statement, the Israeli army said Fatair took part in the October 7, 2023 attack, alleging that he infiltrated Israeli territory and was involved in the capture of hostage Rom Breslavsky.

The statement added that Fatair was seen, according to Israeli claims, wearing Islamic Jihad uniform during the handover of several hostages, including Amos, Amit and Ofer Engel, Moran Stella Yanai, Itay Regev, and others.

The Israeli military confirmed that its forces are deployed in the area under the command of the Southern Command "in accordance with the agreement," adding that it will continue operations to eliminate what it described as "any threat."