Israel’s military exposed a chilling deception as IDF forces eliminated two Islamic Jihad terrorists who were operating under the guise of journalists while using a Gaza hospital as their command center.
Key Takeaways
- IDF killed two Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists who posed as journalists while operating from a command center at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City
- The terrorists, identified as Suleiman Hajaj and Samir al-Rifai, were planning attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers
- Israeli forces arrested the commander of Islamic Jihad’s Jenin Battalion in the West Bank, disrupting their leadership structure
- The IDF struck the “Al-Cairo” currency exchange office that was transferring millions of dollars to fund Hamas and Islamic Jihad operations
- Possible remains of slain Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar were discovered under the European Hospital in Al-Fukhari
Islamic Jihad Terrorists Disguised as Journalists Eliminated
In a precision strike, the Israel Defense Forces eliminated two Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists who were masquerading as journalists while operating from Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The terrorists, identified as Suleiman Hani Saliman Hajaj and Samir al-Rifai, had established a command and control center at the medical facility, from which they coordinated attacks against both Israeli civilians and military personnel. Hajaj was specifically identified as a deputy commander of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad engineering cell, responsible for planning sophisticated attacks.
The IDF’s operation revealed the dangerous pattern of terrorists exploiting civilian infrastructure and humanitarian protections to shield their military activities. This tactic not only violates international law but deliberately endangers the civilian population that depends on these medical facilities. The terrorists’ choice to operate from a hospital demonstrates their willingness to use human shields and protected sites for military advantage, a strategy that has become all too common in Gaza.
“The terrorists exploited the hospital to plan and execute terror activities against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers,” According to the Israel Defense Forces.
Dismantling Islamic Jihad’s Command Structure
In a parallel operation in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested the commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Jenin Battalion along with two other operatives. This high-value capture represents a significant blow to the terrorist organization’s command structure in the region. The Jenin Battalion has been responsible for numerous attacks against Israeli targets, and removing its leadership creates a critical disruption in the group’s operational capabilities and planning capacity, Stated Jenin Battalion.
“Terrorists in Gaza continue to use hospitals for terrorist purposes while cynically exploiting the population and endangering civilians’ lives.”
Cutting Off Terror Financing Networks
The IDF delivered another strategic blow by targeting the “Al-Cairo” currency exchange office in Gaza City. This financial hub was identified as a critical node in the funding network for both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, storing and transferring millions of dollars earmarked for terrorist operations. By striking this facility, Israel has disrupted a vital financial pipeline that supported the terror groups’ military capabilities, recruitment efforts, and operational planning.
“The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip continue to use hospitals for terrorist purposes, cynically and cruelly exploiting the civilian population inside the hospital and its surroundings.”
The currency exchange strike represents an evolution in Israel’s counter-terrorism strategy, targeting not just militant leaders and fighters but also the financial infrastructure that sustains their operations. Without reliable funding channels, terrorist groups face significant challenges in maintaining their operational tempo and rebuilding capabilities after military setbacks. This approach aims to degrade terrorist organizations from multiple angles simultaneously.
Possible Discovery of Mohammed Sinwar’s Remains
In a potentially significant development, the IDF is investigating whether they have located the body of Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander and brother of the recently eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Several bodies were discovered under the European Hospital in Al-Fukhari, an area previously targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Mohammed Sinwar was deeply involved in planning the October 7, 2023, massacre that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and sparked the current conflict, Stated IDF.
After his brother’s death, Mohammed Sinwar had emerged as a key decision-maker within Hamas, focusing particularly on rebuilding its military wing. His elimination, if confirmed, would represent another significant blow to Hamas’s leadership structure at a time when the organization is already struggling to maintain operational cohesion under intense Israeli pressure. The systematic targeting of Hamas’s command echelon has severely degraded the group’s ability to coordinate effective resistance.
