JERUSALEM (VINnews) – The Israel Defense Forces eliminated four senior Nukhba commanders from Hamas’ Beit Lahia Battalion in an airstrike in the Al-Shati area on Tuesday, the military said Wednesday.

Those killed were identified as Muhammad Hamdi Ahmad Al-Masri, a Nukhba company commander who advanced terrorist attacks against IDF troops; Samed Samir Harb Abu Habal, a Nukhba platoon commander who infiltrated Israeli territory during the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre; and Muhammad Attar and Muhammad Fathi Hussein Nasser, both Nukhba platoon commanders involved in planning and carrying out attacks against Israeli forces.

The commanders’ activities posed a direct threat to IDF troops operating in the area, the military said. They were targeted in an aerial strike intended to remove that threat.

Before the strike, the IDF took steps to reduce the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance, according to the statement. The military said it continues to operate in accordance with international law and will take measures to mitigate civilian harm prior to conducting strikes.

IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with existing agreements and will continue to act against any immediate threats, the military added.