Israel 

Israeli military confirms air strike killing Hamas naval unit commander, Mohammed Ahmed Ali, for his role in attacks against Israeli troops during the conflict in Gaza. Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, engaged in fierce battles with Israeli forces since hostilities erupted on October 7.

The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it had conducted an air strike resulting in the death of Mohammed Ahmed Ali, the commander of Hamas's naval unit in Gaza City. According to the military statement, Ali was targeted due to his involvement in attacks against Israeli troops during the ongoing conflict.

The statement did not provide specific details regarding the timing of the air strike but emphasized Ali's responsibility for orchestrating attacks on Israeli territory and IDF ground troops operating in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group to which Ali belonged, did not immediately comment on his death.

Sources within Hamas identified Ali as a member of its armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades. This group has been engaged in intense battles with Israeli forces across Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7.

The escalation in hostilities began after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel. Since then, the Al-Qassam Brigades have regularly launched rockets toward Israeli territory, with a recent barrage targeting the Kerem Shalom crossing, resulting in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides, with civilian casualties mounting. According to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, the October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians.

While the Israeli military did not explicitly state Ali's involvement in planning or executing the initial attack, his role in subsequent hostilities was cited as justification for the air strike.

In retaliation for Hamas's actions, Israel has conducted a military offensive in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties. According to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, at least 34,844 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed as a result of Israel's retaliatory measures.

The death of Mohammed Ahmed Ali underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the toll of the conflict on both sides and the continued cycle of violence in the region.