IDF announces series of strikes targeting terror leaders as progress on Gaza peace plan stalls
Military announces rare airstrike on Hamas operatives in Jenin
Despite efforts by the Gaza Board of Peace to advance President Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan, under the supervision of U.S. envoy Nickolay Mladenov, little progress has reportedly been made, largely due to Hamas’ refusal to disarm and Israel’s continued targeted strikes against senior Hamas operatives.
Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s rejection of the plan, saying that any agreement to it hinges on the complete disarmament of the Hamas terrorist organization.
Mladenov announced the 15-point plan in May, amid continued tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu later met with Trump’s envoy, Jared Kushner, and both sides affirmed that the Israeli military would not withdraw from Gaza and that significant reconstruction would not begin until Hamas is disarmed.
Some had believed Israel would give Hamas time to begin disarming by temporarily halting its strikes targeting senior Hamas leaders and terrorists directly involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.
Recent reports in Hebrew-language media, however, indicate that the Israeli government and security establishment believe Hamas is not serious about disarming and instead intends to “waste time” while rebuilding its military wing.
Israel has therefore continued its targeted strikes, with the IDF announcing at least six successful operations against Hamas operatives over the weekend.
On Friday, the IDF announced the elimination of Hamas commander Ibrahim Nabil Ibrahim Bass and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commander Hamdi Ahmad Hamid Kahlil, both of whom it said participated in the Oct. 7 attacks.
🔴ELIMINATED: Ibrahim Nabil Ibrahim Bass, a commander in Hamas's military wing, who infiltrated Israel and participated in the October 7 Massacre & Hamdi Ahmad Hamid Kahlil, an observation platoon commander in the Islamic Jihad.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 28, 2026
The terrorists continued to advance attacks…
Targeted killings of Hamas operatives are not confined to the Gaza Strip. On Friday evening, the IDF announced the killing of Qais Bitawi, a Hamas operative located in Jenin, northern Samaria, who the military claimed was “directing, funding, and executing terror attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces.”
Bitawi was killed along with two other Hamas operatives. A military source told Hebrew media that Bitawi was attempting to advance attacks against Israeli civilians.
On Saturday, the IDF announced that it had struck and killed a Hamas commander hiding in the Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital compound. The military said it had warned medical authorities on Thursday against the use of medical facilities for terrorist activities.
Later on Saturday, the IDF announced the killing of Hani Abd al-Hai Fakhri Mazloum, a Nukba company commander, and Hassan Zidan Hassan Deiri, a Hamas sniper, whom the military said were involved in trafficking and supplying weapons to Hamas terrorists.
🔴ELIMINATED: Hani Abd al-Hai Fakhri Mazloum, a Nukba company commander, and Hassan Zidan Hassan Deiri, a Hamas sniper.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 29, 2026
Hassan and Mazloum were involved in the trafficking and supply of weapons to Hamas terrorists and posed an immediate threat prior to their elimination. pic.twitter.com/J4AUrp8wSz
On Sunday morning, the IDF announced the elimination of Abd al-Fattah Abu al-Eish, a Hamas Nukhba commander, who participated in the Oct. 7 attack, and Raed Adel Mohammed Alyan, a Hamas operative.
Later on Sunday, it announced the killing of Yasser Abu al-Khair and Mohammed al-Din, operatives in the Hamas Nukhba force, along with Hassam Osama Hussein Nasir, a Hamas terrorist in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.
At the same time, the IDF is reportedly drafting plans to resume ground operations in Gaza City, based on its assessment of Hamas’ intentions, Walla News reported.
In May, Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Bar presented IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir with a similar plan, which included evacuating civilians and relocating them to designated humanitarian areas.
A security source familiar with the plans told Walla that the proposed operation would consist of several stages, including a gradual takeover of Gaza City. The military assesses that many of Hamas’ senior commanders and military-wing operatives are hiding in the city.
The United States, together with the United Arab Emirates, is reportedly pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin reconstruction efforts in Rafah, which is under IDF control, and allow some 200 personnel from the International Stabilization Force to enter the area.
Israel has continued its targeted strikes throughout August, saying it intends to eliminate terrorists who participated in the Oct. 7 attack.
The security establishment reportedly views the recent launching of kites toward Israeli territory as a possible precursor to the use of incendiary or explosive devices and has recommended resuming targeted strikes.
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