IDF Kills 9 Palestinians in Gaza Including Hamas Anti-Tank Commander Kamal Ayash

Israeli forces conducted multiple strikes across Gaza on April 1, killing at least nine Palestinians. In the Al-Mawasi coastal area of southern Gaza, an IDF drone strike killed four Hamas operatives — including Kamal Ayash, identified by the IDF as a Hamas anti-tank corps commander. Three additional Palestinians were killed in IDF strikes on Jabalia in northern Gaza. Two Palestinians were killed in a separate IDF strike in Khan Younis. The IDF stated all targets were armed Hamas operatives and cited ongoing ceasefire violations. The dead were transferred to Nasser and Al-Ahli hospitals. Gaza's cumulative death toll since October 7, 2023 now stands at approximately 72,299+ documented. The strikes brought to approximately 700 the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza since the October 2025 ceasefire nominally took effect.