Israel eliminates Hamas commander involved in Oct. 7 attacks; rejects US Gaza plan

Israel announced it has eliminated Jamal Mahmoud Abu Kamil, a Hamas commander who participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces stated that Abu Kamil "promoted terrorist attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians" during the war and was killed in an airstrike aimed at "neutralizing a threat." The IDF confirmed its forces remain deployed in the area and will continue to operate against threats.

The Ministry of Interior in Gaza identified Abu Kamil as the head of police in Gaza City. It condemned the Israeli offensive as "a flagrant violation of international law, which penalizes attacks against the police as a civilian protection body." The ministry noted this strike follows the recent killings of the police chief in northern Gaza and the director of the Jabalia camp police station, along with six other officers.

According to the Palestinian Information Center, Abu Kamil, 43, died in a bombing while in his car on Al-Rashid Street, southwest of Gaza City. This incident occurred just days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a 15-point plan for Gaza proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu declared, "Israel rejects the 15-point document," and insisted that "there will be no withdrawal until Hamas has disarmed," demanding "real disarmament, not a fictitious one."

Netanyahu's stance underscores Israel's demand for a complete dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities, including both heavy and light weaponry. The U.S.-backed plan reportedly includes the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of a transitional Palestinian administration for Gaza, the deployment of an International Stabilization Force, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops. However, Israel's current position, as articulated by Netanyahu, prioritizes the complete disarmament of the militant group.