The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency said they eliminated the head of Hamas' internal security apparatus in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, announcing the operation in a joint statement Monday.
Wael Musa Khaled Ladawi was killed in a strike in the Deir al-Balah area. According to the IDF and ISA, Ladawi led a secretive Hamas body responsible for gathering intelligence for senior Hamas officials, supporting their decision-making, and assisting in planning and executing attacks against Israel.
The military said precautions were taken ahead of the strike to minimize civilian casualties, including the deployment of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.
IDF troops from the Southern Command remain stationed in the area as part of ceasefire operations and will continue efforts to eliminate threats, according to the statement.