Two killed in Gaza in strike Israel says targeted a Hamas finance chief

Cairo, Sept 23 (Reuters) — An Israeli airstrike killed at least two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, local health officials reported, and Israel stated the strike was directed at a Hamas finance chief.

Medical personnel confirmed that the two deceased were Osama Abu Khater and Mohammad Abu Elwan, who perished when Israeli bombing struck a vehicle in western Khan Younis, southern Gaza. A further individual also sustained injuries.

In a concurrent announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that the operation eliminated Mohammad Abu Elwan in Khan Younis, identifying him as a senior Hamas financial administrator.

“We will not tolerate Hamas rebuilding its capabilities, and we will carry on our actions until Hamas no longer operates in Gaza,” the communiqué declared.

Hamas did not respond promptly.

Palestinian territorial authorities note more than 73,000 fatalities resulting from Israel’s offensive against Gaza since Hamas militants assassinated roughly 1,200 citizens in southern Israel in October 2023.

A United States‑mediated ceasefire concluded last year stipulates future reconstruction, yet constructive discussions on Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal have stalled. Israeli aerial warfare continues unabated.

At least 1,400 Palestinians—predominantly civilians—have been confirmed dead in Gaza since the halt began, while Israeli forces report four soldier casualties.

Israel and Hamas mutually attribute fault for breaches of the ceasefire accord concerning cessation of hostilities.

(Reporting by Nidal al‑Mughrabi. Additional reporting by Steven Scheer in Jerusalem; Editing by Aidan Lewis, Alexandra Hudson)

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