IDF Announces Killing of Oct. 7 Hamas Cell Commander and Two Operatives in Central Gaza Strike

The IDF and Shin Bet announced on April 27, 2026 that a recent airstrike in central Gaza eliminated three senior Hamas operatives: (1) Hazem Rami Ali Aidi — a Hamas cell commander who infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7, 2023 massacre; (2) Ibrahim Mansour — a Hamas platoon commander described as 'a central figure in Hamas' force building and recovery attempts, while violating the ceasefire agreement,' responsible for numerous attacks on IDF forces throughout the war; (3) Maher Tantawi — a Hamas military intelligence operative. The IDF said the cell was planning 'imminent attacks' against IDF forces operating in central Gaza. Prior to the strike, the military said 'steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.' The announcement came as Palestinian officials reported that Israeli strikes across Gaza on April 26–27 had killed at least 13 people, bringing the total killed since the October 2025 ceasefire to approximately 811, and the cumulative death toll since October 7, 2023 to 72,587+.