Israeli special forces killed Ahmad Sarhan, a senior commander of the Popular Resistance Committees, in a covert raid in Khan Younis early Monday, according to Palestinian media. The operation, reportedly involving troops disguised as women, occurred amid a broader Israeli military escalation across Gaza.
Though initial reports speculated the raid was part of a hostage rescue mission, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied this, saying the operation was part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” an intensified offensive launched last week. The IDF did not confirm Sarhan’s death but emphasized it is operating “in all areas of the Gaza Strip.”
Palestinian media claimed Sarhan’s wife and children were detained during the raid, and videos from the scene showed heavy airstrikes, helicopter fire, and explosions in Khan Younis, including near Nasser Hospital. Unverified reports said 17 people were killed across Gaza Monday morning.
The Popular Resistance Committees are considered the third-largest militant group in Gaza, operating under Hamas’s guidance. Sarhan’s killing is viewed as a significant blow to their leadership.
Meanwhile, the IDF has deployed five divisions in Gaza and says it is expanding control over the Strip, dividing it strategically and moving civilians for their safety. IDF officials say this offensive aims to dismantle Hamas and prevent it from controlling humanitarian aid.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reiterated that while the military effort continues, Israel remains open to a hostage deal. Hamas is still holding 58 hostages, 35 of whom are believed dead.
Gazan health officials claim over 53,000 people have been killed or are missing since the war began, though these figures are unverified and do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel maintains it targets militants and accuses Hamas of embedding forces in civilian areas.
