The Israeli Defence forces (IDF) killed Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, commander of Hamas’ Naval Force in the northern Gaza Strip. He was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City, the Israel Defence Forces said on Sunday.
IDF: Saleh was behind Maritime terror plots
The IDF said, “Saleh was a significant source of knowledge in the Hamas terrorist organisation, and in recent weeks was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip.”
The Israeli soldiers also eliminated Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, Deputy Head of Hamas’ mortar shell array cell, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha, who operated within Hamas’ mortar shell array.
IDF used precision weapons
The IDF stressed that steps were taken ahead of the strike to mitigate the risk to civilians, including aerial surveillance, precise munitions and other measures.
The army’s announcement came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to depart for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday.
Ceasefire may last 60 days
Media reports indicate the ceasefire will last 60 days and include the phased release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies. In exchange, Israel will release an unspecified number of Palestinian security prisoners. The deal includes mechanisms for humanitarian aid and a gradual redeployment of Israeli forces in the Strip.
Hamas is expected to provide information on the remaining hostages, and Israel will disclose data on Palestinians detained or killed since October 7. The US, Egypt, and Qatar will act as guarantors.