Israel claims killing Hamas Rafah Brigade commander in Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday, November 15, claimed it had killed Samir Mahmoud Hassan Abu Younis, the 53-year-old commander of Hamas’ Rafah Brigade, in an overnight strike in southern Gaza.
In a statement posted on X, the Israeli military said Abu Younis had been appointed commander of the Rafah Brigade approximately two months ago, following the killing of his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid.
Abu Obeid was killed by the IDF and Shin Bet on September 15.
🔴 ELIMINATED: Samir Mahmoud Hassan Abu Younis, Commander of Hamas’ Rafah Brigade, in a strike in southern Gaza overnight.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 15, 2026
Abu Younis was appointed commander of the brigade approximately 2 months ago, following the elimination of his predecessor. He previously served as the… pic.twitter.com/h7h3J0w9KD
According to the Israeli military, Abu Younis had been a member of Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades since 1991 and held several senior operational positions in Rafah. He previously served as deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade and commander of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion.
The IDF accused him of directing attacks against Israeli civilians and its troops. It also alleged that he had worked to restore the brigade’s military capabilities.
Mohammad Sabaneh, who previously commanded the Rafah Brigade, was killed in May 2025, while his successor, Nael Abu Obeid, was killed in September 2026.
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This content is published by The Siasat Daily and has not been created or edited by Hello Headlines. View original
