Ahmad al-Batash, who led the Jabalia Battalion in Hamas's North Gaza Brigade, died in an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle north of Gaza City on Sept. 14. Two other operatives, company commander Rafat Abu Zamar in Khan Younis and weapons producer Muhammad Khader Fahmi Aghour in Gaza City, were also eliminated in separate strikes. The Israeli military stated the targets were removed to eliminate threats posed by their efforts to rebuild military capabilities.

The Israel Defense Forces alleged the three commanders were in systematic violation of the ceasefire by advancing attacks against Israeli troops and civilians. Abu Zamar led training for the Oct. 7, 2023, onslaught, while Batash managed the Northern Gaza Brigade’s weapons infrastructure and supply lines. Muhammad Khader Fahmi Aghour was specifically identified by the military as a member involved in the production of weapons.