IDF says airstrike kills alleged Hamas smuggler in Southern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the killing of a man it identified as a Hamas operative allegedly involved in smuggling military equipment into the Gaza Strip, saying the operation was carried out to prevent the rebuilding of the group’s military capabilities.

In a statement released on Monday, the IDF said its forces conducted an airstrike in southern Gaza on Sunday, targeting and killing Mustafa Oweisi, whom it described as a terrorist engaged in weapons smuggling activities.

According to the Israeli military, Oweisi had been involved throughout the ongoing conflict in efforts to transport military equipment into Gaza.

The IDF alleged that he recently attempted to smuggle additional equipment intended to strengthen Hamas’ military wing, describing the effort as a violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.

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The military further claimed that the equipment Oweisi sought to bring into Gaza was intended for use by Hamas in both maritime and aerial operations, potentially enhancing the group’s operational capabilities.

The IDF said Oweisi posed a threat to Israeli troops operating in the area and was therefore targeted in what it described as a precision aerial strike aimed at removing that threat.

The Israeli military did not provide further details on the operation, and Hamas had not immediately commented on the claim or confirmed Oweisi’s death at the time of reporting. The allegations regarding his activities could not be independently verified.

The latest strike comes amid continued tensions despite ceasefire efforts, with both sides accusing each other of actions that undermine the truce.

Israel has repeatedly stated that it will continue to act against individuals and groups it says are involved in rebuilding Hamas’ military infrastructure or threatening its security.