Latest Developments 

An Israeli warplane killed Mohsen Abu Zina, the head of the Hamas department of weapons manufacturing and industries, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on November 8. “As part of his role, Mohsen Abu Zina served as one of Hamas’ leading weapons developers and was an expert in developing strategic weapons and rockets used by Hamas terrorists,” the IDF said. Israeli troops have advanced deeper into Gaza over the last several days and are surrounding Hamas terrorists in Gaza City.  

Expert Analysis 

“Dismantling Hamas requires eliminating its ability to manufacture and develop rockets and other terror weapons. Hamas enjoyed impunity for many years to funnel cash into rockets, tunnels, and other threats that put Gazans at risk and led to the massacre of October 7. Targeting terror masterminds such as Mohsen Abu Zina is a step to defeating Hamas.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow 

“Israel’s successful targeting of Mohsen Abu Zina marks yet another blow to Hamas’s organizational infrastructure. As Israel’s ground troops and air force eliminate terrorists both above and below ground, they are simultaneously undertaking a formidable operation aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military command.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal  

Eliminating Hamas Commanders 

Israel has launched a broad campaign over the past month to target Hamas terrorist infrastructure and eliminate key Hamas commanders. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on November 4 that at least 12 Hamas battalion commanders had been killed in a month of fighting. “After this war, no threat will remain in Gaza that will be able to terrorize Israel from the southern border. We’ll have full operational freedom to act within the Strip,” Gallant said. 

Hamas Weapons Located in Civilian Areas 

Hamas has placed rocket launchers in civilian areas and riddled Gaza, a dense urban environment, with terrorist infrastructure. On November 7, the IDF released video of a Hamas terror tunnel near an amusement park. The IDF also found Hamas rocket launchers near a swimming pool and a playground. Hamas continues to fire rockets at central Israel and has targeted cities more than 100 miles from Gaza, such as Eilat and Haifa.  

“Israel Vows to Eliminate Hamas Terror Leader Yahya Sinwar,” FDD Flash Brief 

“Israel enters new phase of war with Gaza City now encircled,” by Seth J. Frantzman 

“IDF Reopens Humanitarian Corridor in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief