Israeli army announces killing of Hamas intelligence commander

The Israeli Army said Thursday it killed the deputy commander of Hamas intelligence unit in the Gaza Strip.

A military statement said Shadi Baroud, deputy commander of Hamas’ intelligence unit, was eliminated in a drone attack.

The army said Baroud was the mastermind of the October 7 attack "and countless other deadly attacks carried out against Israelis".

It added that three "senior Hamas activists" were also killed.

There was no confirmation yet from Hamas.

The army carried out several limited incursions into the Gaza Strip during the past two and a half weeks.