IDF eliminates Hamas Sniper Commander in targeted operation in Rafah

In a coordinated operation carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), Ahmad Iyad Muhammad Farhat, the head of sniper fire for Hamas’ Tel al-Sultan Battalion, was eliminated in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah, located in southern Gaza. According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, Farhat was a key operative responsible for orchestrating and executing sniper attacks against Israeli troops, as well as planning additional terrorist operations targeting the State of Israel.

The targeted elimination occurred over the past several days as part of the IDF’s broader ongoing ground operations in Rafah. Farhat’s removal marks a significant tactical blow to Hamas' operational capabilities in the region, particularly within the Tel al-Sultan Battalion, a key division within Hamas' military structure.

Alongside the targeted strike on Farhat, IDF ground troops have been conducting extensive activity in both the Tel al-Sultan and Shabura neighborhoods. Over the past 24 hours, IDF forces have eliminated multiple terrorists, uncovered and dismantled numerous terrorist infrastructure sites, and neutralized buildings rigged with explosives.

Further to the south, the IDF expanded operations in the ‘Morag Corridor’ overnight. This area, which has strategic importance in preventing Hamas operatives from maneuvering freely, saw intensified action with ground troops eliminating more terrorists and uncovering both surface-level and subterranean terror sites.

Simultaneously, in northern Gaza, IDF units located additional terrorist infrastructure—again both above and below ground. During their operations, troops identified armed terrorists operating in a nearby building. These militants were neutralized using precision tank fire.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has continued to provide aerial support throughout the Gaza Strip. Over the past day alone, the IAF struck approximately 40 terror-related targets. These included terrorist cells, buildings used for militant activities, weapons storage sites, and other critical pieces of Hamas’ military infrastructure.

The IDF continues to assert that such operations are essential to degrading Hamas’ capabilities and ensuring the security of Israeli civilians and soldiers. Ground and aerial activity across Gaza is ongoing as Israel seeks to dismantle the terrorist network’s presence and prevent future attacks.