The Israeli military has claimed that it killed a Hamas fighter who participated in the release ceremony from Gaza of three Israeli captives in February.

The military said it cooperated with the Shin Bet intelligence service to target Hamza Wael Muhammad Asfa, of the Deir el-Balah battalion’s elite Nukhba forces in central Gaza, saying he was killed about two weeks ago.

“As part of his role in the organisation, the terrorist took part in the cynical release ceremony of returning civilians Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy,” the military said.

 Smoke plumes billow from Israeli bombardment on the east of Gaza City as pictured from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on April 14, 2025. — AFP
Smoke plumes billow from Israeli bombardment on the east of Gaza City as pictured from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on April 14, 2025. — AFP

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