Osama Tabash/Photo: IDF Spokesperson
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), together with the General Security Service (Shabak), conducted a successful operation to eliminate Osama Tabash, a senior Hamas commander who served as head of the surveillance and targeting department and head of military intelligence in the southern Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli intelligence, Tabash has been a key figure in the Hamas structure for many years. Over the years, he held a number of positions, including battalion commander in the Khan Younis Brigade. His longstanding activities included organising terrorist attacks, including the deadly 2005 suicide bombing at the Gush Katif crossroads that killed Shabak member Oded Sharon.
In the current war, Tabash played a central role in the strategic planning of the group’s military operations. He was responsible for gathering intelligence, coordinating combat units, and working to restore Hamas’s military capabilities after serious losses incurred during Israeli operations.
The Surveillance and Targeting Department, headed by him, was responsible for visual surveillance of Israeli territory and identification of targets for attacks. As part of his activities, Tabash participated in the planning of the terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023, the day that marked Hamas’ massive attack on Israeli territory.
During the war, Tabash also managed a visual monitoring system used to warn Hamas militants of IDF movements in Gaza, thus providing a tactical advantage to the militants.
The Israeli military emphasises that the elimination of Osama Tabash is a significant blow to Hamas’ intelligence infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and another step towards weakening the group’s combat capabilities.
