Joint statement to the IDF and Shin Bet spokesmen:
The IDF and the Shin Bet eliminated the commander of the Rafah Brigade of the Hamas terrorist organization.
The IDF and the Shin Bet attacked during the night (Saturday) in the southern Gaza Strip and eliminated from the air Samir Mahmoud Hassan Abu Younes, commander of the Rafah Brigade in the military arm of organization Hamas.
Samir Abu Younes served as the commander of the Rafah Brigade for only about two months, after the assassination of the previous brigade commander, Na'al Abu Abid, on September 15. Before that, he held a series of positions in the brigade, including deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade and commander of the Tel Sultan Battalion. Samir Abu Younes was a key factor among senior Hamas officials.
As part of his role, Samir Abu Younes directed the terrorists of the brigade to promote and execute terrorist plans against the citizens of the State of Israel and the IDF forces. In addition, he acted with the aim of trying to restore the strength building of the brigade and of organization Hamas, which suffered fatal damage throughout the war.
The security forces in the Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to work to remove any immediate threat.