The IDF struck a Nukhba company commander in response to gunfire that wounded a reserve company commander.
According to an IDF statement, following gunfire by terrorists at an IDF force operating in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF and the Shin Bet on Wednesday struck Bilal Abu Assi, a Hamas Nukhba company commander who led the raid on Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre. At the same time, the IDF revealed how Hamas uses ambulances in Gaza for terrorist purposes, and released footage of such incidents.
Drones operating along the “yellow line” exposed how armed Hamas operatives systematically use ambulances to transport operatives and smuggle weapons from hospitals to a school. “Since the ceasefire went into effect, Hamas has violated the agreement and concentrated its efforts on rebuilding its military capabilities,” the IDF said in a statement, adding that it would continue to act “in accordance with international law toward medical facilities and educational institutions, including those in which Hamas chose to place its terrorist infrastructure, while blatantly violating international law.”
According to the IDF, Abu Assi likely took part in holding the bodies of hostages in captivity throughout the war and led terrorist plots against IDF forces. The military is examining whether Abu Assi was killed in the strike on Wednesday. In the massacre at Nir Oz, 47 residents of the kibbutz were murdered and 76 were abducted to the Gaza Strip.
The IDF said it is aware of claims that uninvolved civilians were harmed in the strike, including a medical staff member. “Prior to and during the strike, steps were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians as much as possible, including the use of surveillance and precise munitions. The IDF regrets any harm caused to uninvolved civilians,” according to a statement.
The strike was "in response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement overnight (Wednesday), during which terrorists opened fire at IDF troops in the northern Gaza Strip, and as a result, severely injured a reserve officer," according to the IDF
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Photo taken during Bilal Abu Assi's attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
The force in which the wounded reserve officer was operating was engaged in routine activity on the Israeli-controlled side of the yellow line in the Daraj Tuffah neighborhood in eastern Gaza City. Near the cemetery where the body of Ran Gvili was located about a week ago, terrorists surprised the soldiers with ambush fire in an area where there are still buildings that have not been flattened.
According to the IDF, the shooting occurred during an operational activity by forces of the Alexandroni Brigade. The officer was evacuated to the hospital and his family was notified.