Brief

IDF airstrikes kill two Hamas commanders linked to Israeli hostages

Israel's defense forces said the strikes eliminated a Shati Battalion commander and a Daraj‑Tuffah battalion fighter who helped hold hostages.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 05:56:20 GMT

The Israel Defense Forces announced Thursday that two Hamas militants were killed in separate airstrikes in Gaza City earlier this week.

What happened

On Monday, Oct. 5, an airstrike in the Gaza City area killed Muhammad Yazji, a commander of Hamas’s Shati Battalion, the IDF said. The military added that Yazji had been involved in holding three Israeli hostages – Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Matan Angrest – during the war. A second strike on Tuesday, Oct. 6, hit the Sabra neighbourhood and killed Muhammad Gamal, a fighter from Hamas’s Daraj‑Tuffah Battalion.

What the reports add

The IDF said both men had recently advanced plans to attack Israeli troops and civilians and were rebuilding Hamas’s capabilities in violation of the cease‑fire. It also noted that precautions, including precision munitions and aerial surveillance, were taken to limit civilian casualties.

What was said

The IDF spokesperson told reporters that the strikes were intended to eliminate the immediate threats posed by the two terrorists.

Key facts

• Muhammad Yazji, a Shati Battalion commander, was killed in an airstrike on Oct. 5 in Gaza City. (nypost.com)
• Yazji had helped hold three Israeli hostages – Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Matan Angrest. (nypost.com)
• Muhammad Gamal, a Daraj‑Tuffah Battalion fighter, was killed in an airstrike on Oct. 6 in the Sabra neighbourhood. (nypost.com)
• The IDF said both militants were planning attacks and rebuilding Hamas capabilities, violating the cease‑fire. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “IDF kills Hamas terrorists — including leader involved in holding Israeli hostages”