Islamic Jihad/Photo: IDF Press Service
The IDF and the Shabak conducted a series of successful special operations in Gaza, eliminating several key figures of terrorist groups. A joint statement from the security services confirmed the killing of Rashid Jahjuh, who was head of Hamas’s general security service. He took over after the elimination of Sami Udeh, who died in July 2024 along with Hamas Prime Minister in Gaza Ruhi Mushtaeh.
Along with Jahjuh, Ayman Aslich, who was in charge of Hamas’s general security service in the Khan Younis area, was killed. This structure played a key role in identifying “collaborators”, protecting the group’s leadership, protecting its assets in Gaza and beyond, and suppressing opponents of the Hamas regime in the Strip.
According to the IDF, Jahjuh was responsible not only for security issues, but also for propaganda in favour of Hamas. He coordinated information campaigns aimed at strengthening the legitimacy of the group among the population of Gaza.
In an additional operation, the Israeli military killed Ismail Abdel-Aal, one of the key figures in the smuggling of weapons for the Islamic Jihad terrorist organisation. He was in charge of the supply, transportation, storage and smuggling of military equipment and ammunition in the Gaza Strip.
Recent successful strikes against the leadership of terrorist groups are part of Israel’s broader strategy to weaken Hamas and Islamic Jihad. It also demonstrates the IDF and Shabak’s ability to conduct targeted strikes, neutralising leaders who coordinate terrorist activities.
