New Delhi: In a decisive start to the new year, Israel has eliminated a key figure in Hamas’s leadership, marking another milestone in its ongoing operation to dismantle the militant group. Abd al-Hadi Saba, the Nukhba platoon commander of Hamas’s Western Khan Younis Battalion, was killed in a precision drone strike in southern Gaza, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The IDF described Saba as a key figure responsible for leading the assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, massacre, where Hamas militants launched one of the deadliest attacks on Israeli soil in recent history.
The Target: Abd al-Hadi Saba
The operation was conducted in the Khan Younis area, a known Hamas stronghold. The IDF stated that the strike was intelligence-based, executed in coordination with the Israel Security Authority (ISA). According to Israeli intelligence, Saba was hiding in a humanitarian shelter, which he was using as a cover.
The IDF accused Saba of orchestrating numerous attacks on Israeli soldiers during the ongoing conflict, reinforcing his status as a high-value target.
October 7, 2023: A Day That Changed Israel
Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, marked a turning point in Israeli-Hamas relations. Infiltrating via a network of underground tunnels, Hamas launched a multi-pronged offensive on Israeli border towns, including Kibbutz Nir Oz, resulting in mass casualties and destruction. Israel’s subsequent military response has focused on neutralizing Hamas’s leadership and dismantling its infrastructure.
Tunnels No Longer a Safe Haven
Hamas’s extensive underground tunnel network, long considered its strategic advantage, has faced relentless targeting by Israeli forces. These tunnels, often used for smuggling, surprise attacks, and as hideouts for militants, have been systematically destroyed, reducing Hamas’s ability to evade detection and retaliation.
Netanyahu’s Resolve: ‘No Rest Until Hamas is Eradicated’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF have reiterated their commitment to eliminating Hamas entirely. Netanyahu emphasized that selective targeting of Hamas leadership will continue until the group is dismantled.
In the same vein, Israeli forces have conducted operations resulting in the deaths of 14 Hamas militants, six of whom were directly involved in the October 7 massacre.
Global Implications
The continued conflict has drawn international attention, with concerns about humanitarian crises in Gaza juxtaposed against Israel’s right to defend its citizens. The death of Abd al-Hadi Saba underscores the IDF’s focus on eliminating key figures while sending a clear message about the consequences of attacking Israel.
As Israel intensifies its campaign against Hamas, the coming months are likely to see further military operations aimed at dismantling the group’s leadership and infrastructure. The focus remains on ensuring long-term security for Israel while addressing the complexities of regional geopolitics.
