IDF Says It Killed Hamas Commander Who Helped Hold Seven Israeli Hostages

The IDF said on September 24 that an airstrike in the Gaza City area over the weekend killed Mahmoud Abd al-Fattah Awad, a commander in Hamas's military wing. It said Awad took part throughout the war in holding hostages Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Doron Steinbrecher, Naama Levy, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran and Eitan Mor in an underground tunnel in the area. He had recently planned attacks on Israeli troops and civilians and worked to rebuild Hamas's capabilities in systematic violation of the ceasefire, the military said. It said precise munitions and aerial surveillance were used to limit civilian harm and that Southern Command troops remain deployed under the agreement.