Israeli Airstrike Targeting Senior Hamas Figure in Gaza Likely Unsuccessful, Media Reports Say

Israeli intelligence assessments suggest that an Israeli airstrike targeting senior Hamas operative Ali al-Amoudi in Gaza City on Friday night likely did not achieve its objective, according to Israeli Army Radio, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

“Intelligence evaluations are indicating that the attempt to eliminate Ali al-Amoudi, a prominent figure within Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza, was unsuccessful,” the radio station stated.

Israel’s Channel 12 noted that while initial reports suggested an attack had been launched, it remained premature to draw conclusive assessments. Israeli officials continued efforts to verify whether the operation had succeeded, despite the passage of several hours.

Earlier on Saturday, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that the Israeli military had conducted a targeted strike overnight aimed at eliminating al-Amoudi.

The broadcaster characterized al-Amoudi as Hamas’ de facto leader in the Gaza Strip and a leading contender to formally assume leadership of the group in upcoming internal elections.

However, Palestinian medical sources indicated that five individuals were killed in the strike, though al-Amoudi’s name was not among the deceased. His current status remains unconfirmed.

Hamas officials, speaking to Anadolu, confirmed that al-Amoudi previously led the movement’s media division and served as a member of its political bureau prior to the outbreak of conflict on October 8, 2023.

Following the assassinations of Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and his deputy Rawhi Mushtaha in 2024, al-Amoudi became deputy to Khalil al-Hayya, who at the time was overseeing Hamas operations in Gaza, according to Hamas sources.

After al-Hayya assumed leadership of Hamas’ political bureau in July 2026, al-Amoudi took over administrative responsibilities for the movement’s activities in Gaza as acting head, pending the selection of an official successor, the sources added.

In a separate incident, five Palestinians—including four women, two of whom were Christian—were killed and six others injured when an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in western Gaza City early Saturday, according to local medical authorities.

The victims were identified as Maysa Abu Daoud, 55; her daughter Maria Abu Daoud, 36; Yasmin al-Boubou, 48; Halloum al-Boubou, 23; and Bilal Ali Ouda, 20.

The airstrike occurred against the backdrop of ongoing tensions and alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement that has been in place since October 10, 2025.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israeli military actions since the truce began have resulted in the deaths of 1,439 Palestinians and injuries to 5,052 others as of Thursday.

Palestinian officials maintain that since the escalation of hostilities on October 8, 2023, Israeli forces have killed over 74,000 people and injured more than 175,000 in the Gaza Strip, with approximately 90% of the territory’s infrastructure now destroyed.

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