Yahya Sinwar's aide killed in IDF strikes in Gaza

Muhammad Hassan al-Amour, a close aide to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was killed overnight in a wave of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strikes in Gaza, according to the Hamas-affiliated "Quds" network.

The intensified IDF operations follow Defense Minister Israel Katz’s directive on Friday to seize additional Gaza territory in response to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages. Katz stated that the IDF would evacuate civilians while expanding security zones around Gaza to safeguard Israeli communities and troops, vowing that Israel would retain permanent control over captured areas.

"As long as Hamas persists in its refusal, it will lose more territory to Israel," Katz warned, emphasizing that Operation "Strength and Sword" would escalate until the hostages are freed. He reiterated Israel’s support for a U.S.-backed plan to release all hostages—living and deceased—in two phases with a ceasefire, provided it does not jeopardize national security.

In addition, senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil was killed overnight in an Israeli airstrike targeting his tent in the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone near Khan Younis. The precision strike, which occurred left a massive crater at the site.

Al-Bardawil, a prominent member of Hamas' political bureau, was among the few senior leaders who chose to remain in Gaza throughout the months of fighting. According to Hamas statements, he was killed alongside his wife and daughter in the attack.

Born in Khan Younis, al-Bardawil was widely recognized for his frequent appearances in Arabic and international media, where he served as a vocal advocate for Hamas' positions. He played a significant role in the Palestinian Legislative Council after being elected in 2006 on Hamas' "Change and Reform" list.

Throughout his political career, al-Bardawil participated in numerous internal Palestinian negotiations, including talks between Hamas and rival faction Fatah. He was known for his staunch opposition to security coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, which he characterized as betrayal.

Hamas released a statement praising al-Bardawil as "an active figure who never abandoned jihad" and promising revenge for his death. "The martyrs will fuel the battle. The more we lose, the fiercer the resistance will burn," the group declared.

The elimination of al-Bardawil represents one of the highest-profile Hamas casualties in recent months as Israel continues its military campaign against the organization's leadership structure following the October 7 attacks.

Ynet contributed to this article.