Israeli Airstrike Kills Hamas Commander Samir Abu Younis in Southern Gaza

An Israeli airstrike killed Samir Abu Younis, the 53-year-old commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades' Rafah brigade, on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The strike targeted a street in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. According to Al Jazeera, the strike hit a tent sheltering displaced people and wounded at least two other individuals.

Military operation details

The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet internal security agency issued a joint statement confirming they targeted a senior Hamas military commander in southern Gaza. The strike occurred in the Mawasi area, located west of Khan Younis. Following the strike, casualties were taken to the Nasser Medical Complex, according to Al Jazeera.

Hamas stated that Abu Younis joined the Al-Qassam Brigades in 1991. The group noted that he held several senior operational roles in Rafah during his tenure. This military action occurred despite the ongoing ceasefire that went into effect in October 2025 to halt major fighting.

Casualties and conflict context

The death of Abu Younis follows a period of sustained casualties despite the October 2025 ceasefire. Gaza health authorities reported that at least 1,643 Palestinians have been killed and 5,964 injured since that ceasefire began. Additionally, Al Jazeera reported 16 Palestinian deaths and 68 injuries in the 48 hours ending November 15, 2026. The Gaza Ministry of Health also reported 11 deaths related to cold.

Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, the total number of Palestinians killed in Gaza has reached 74,695, according to Al Jazeera. Total injuries since the start of the conflict are reported at 176,093. While the October 2025 ceasefire halted major fighting, it has not stopped Israeli attacks or achieved the disarmament of Hamas.

Israeli military losses

Reports regarding Israeli military casualties since the October 2025 ceasefire remain subject to differing accounts. One source reports that five Israeli soldiers have been killed during this period. However, another source reports that seven soldiers and one civilian contractor were lost.

The broader conflict was triggered by an attack by Hamas-led fighters on southern Israel in October 2023. While the October 2025 ceasefire remains in place, military operations continue in various sectors of the Gaza Strip.

Glossary

• Al-Qassam Brigades — The Al-Qassam Brigades is a group that has claimed responsibility for various military actions. It is the armed wing of Hamas.
• Rafah — Rafah is a location in the Gaza Strip. It is the site of various military operations and displacement.
• Mawasi — Al-Mawasi is an area located west of Khan Yunis. It has served as an evacuation zone and a refugee camp.
• Khan Younis — Khan Younis is a southern city in the Gaza Strip. It has been the site of various airstrikes and military operations.