The Media Line: IDF Kills Rafah Commander 2 Months After Predecessor; Hamas Says He Helped Plan October 7  

IDF Kills Rafah Commander 2 Months After Predecessor; Hamas Says He Helped Plan October 7  

By The Media Line Staff  

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet confirmed Sunday that an Israeli airstrike killed Samir Abu Younis, commander of Hamas’ Rafah Brigade, in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis. The senior Hamas terrorist had been involved in planning attacks against Israeli civilians and troops and efforts to rebuild the organization’s military capabilities.  

Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, announced Abu Younis’ death overnight Saturday into Sunday. Israeli security forces subsequently released footage showing him walking along a street before an aerial strike killed him.  

Abu Younis, also known as “Abu Mahmoud,” had taken command of the Rafah Brigade following the killing of his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid, in September.  

According to Hamas, Abu Younis joined its armed wing in 1991 and later spent time in an Israeli prison. He rose through the organization’s ranks, eventually leading the brigade’s western battalion before assuming command of the entire Rafah force.  

The terrorist organization described him as “one of the most important commanders who participated in planning the October 7 attack.”  

In a joint statement, the IDF and Shin Bet said Abu Younis had led the Rafah Brigade for approximately two months. His earlier positions included deputy brigade commander and commander of the Tel Sultan Battalion.  

Israeli security officials identified him as “a central figure among Hamas’ senior leadership.”  

The agencies said Abu Younis directed preparations for terrorist attacks targeting Israeli civilians and IDF personnel. He was also involved in restoring the Rafah Brigade’s operational strength and rebuilding Hamas’ military forces, which they said had “suffered severe damage throughout the war.”  

Southern Command forces remain deployed in the area under the existing agreement and will continue responding to immediate threats, the statement said.  

The killing followed a separate Israeli strike Thursday on the Nasser Hospital complex in Khan Yunis targeting Muhammad Abu Ismail, commander of Hamas’ Khan Yunis Brigade.  

Neither the IDF nor Hamas has confirmed whether Abu Ismail was killed.