By DAYO ADESULU
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says it carried out a targeted strike in Gaza City on Sunday against a Hamas operative it identified as Yusuf Aqila, whom it described as a commander in the group’s elite Nukhba unit.
The Israeli military said Aqila had recently been involved in activities it described as threats to Israeli troops and civilians, as well as efforts to restore Hamas’ military capabilities despite the ongoing ceasefire arrangement.
However, Palestinian health officials reported a different account of the incident, saying the strike hit a vehicle in western Gaza City and killed Aqila and his eight-year-old daughter, Wafaa, while six other people were wounded. Reuters reported that an Israeli military spokesperson said the forces had targeted a Hamas militant and that the military was still assessing the results of the operation.
IDF Accuses Hamas Operative of Ceasefire Violations
According to the IDF, Aqila had in recent weeks advanced activities against Israeli forces and civilians and was allegedly working to rebuild Hamas’ operational capabilities.
The Israeli military said his activities represented a continuing threat and that the strike was carried out to remove what it described as an immediate danger.
The IDF also maintained that its forces remain deployed under Israel’s Southern Command in accordance with the existing agreement.
Military Says Precautions Were Taken
The IDF said measures were taken before the strike to reduce the risk of civilian casualties.
These measures, according to the military, included the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance to improve targeting.
The claim comes amid continued controversy over Israeli military operations in Gaza during the ceasefire. Palestinian officials and Hamas have repeatedly accused Israel of violating the truce, while Israel says its military actions are aimed at preventing attacks and countering Hamas activity. Reuters reported that major fighting was halted by a U.S.-backed ceasefire in October 2025, although Israeli strikes have continued.
Palestinian Officials Report Civilian Casualties
The reported civilian casualties have added another layer to the controversy surrounding Sunday’s operation.
According to Palestinian health officials cited by Reuters, the strike hit a vehicle in western Gaza City, killing Aqila and his daughter Wafaa and injuring six others.
The discrepancy between the Israeli military’s description of the target and Palestinian accounts underscores the difficulty of independently verifying battlefield claims in Gaza.
IDF Vows to Continue Operations Against Threats
The Israeli military said its forces would continue operating in the area to address what it considers threats to its troops and Israeli civilians.
The latest strike comes against the backdrop of continued efforts to maintain the Gaza ceasefire while preventing Hamas from rebuilding its military infrastructure.
The development is likely to fuel renewed debate over the implementation of the ceasefire and the protection of civilians as Israeli forces continue limited military operations in Gaza.
Why This Matters
The Gaza ceasefire remains fragile, with both military activity and competing claims continuing despite the broader truce.
The reported strike is particularly significant because the IDF described its target as a Hamas Nukhba commander, while Palestinian officials reported that the attack also killed a child.
For observers, the incident highlights the challenge of maintaining a ceasefire while Israel continues to respond to what it describes as emerging militant threats.
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