IDF kills Hamas commander linked to October 7 attacks in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the killing of Hamza Wael Muhammad Asafah, the head of a Hamas Nukhba Force cell, which occurred two weeks ago during a targeted strike in central Gaza. Asafah was implicated in the October 7 massacre, where at least 1,180 people were killed and numerous hostages taken, as well as participating in a February hostage release ceremony involving returning Israeli civilians. The IDF emphasized that efforts were made to minimize civilian harm during the operation. Reports indicate that military operations in Gaza are proceeding at a slower pace, with current estimates suggesting it could take years to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure fully. In the past weeks, only a fraction of Hamas fighters have been eliminated compared to the initial phases of the conflict. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing concerns regarding the status of hostages and the humanitarian impact of the conflict.