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IDF Airstrikes Kill Senior Hamas, Islamic Jihad Leaders

8/5/2026

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Center

IDF Airstrikes

The Israel Defense Forces launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing several Palestinian militants.
The attacks followed a new IDF rule requiring Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir’s approval for Gaza operations.
Israeli officials said the ceasefire remains in effect.
Eli Cohen said Israel has not approved disarmament plan signed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
No strikes occurred in Gaza for 48 hours except a single early Monday attack.

Right

IDF Kills Commanders

The Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that killed several Palestinian militants.
The strikes targeted senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders linked to the Oct. 7 attacks, using precision-guided munitions to spare civilians.
IDF said it killed Hamas commander Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad in southern Gaza.
Islamic Jihad commander Mahmoud Fatair was also killed in central Gaza.

Blindspot

Blindspot

The IDF instituted a new rule requiring Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir’s approval for any Gaza operation before strikes could be carried out.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

Operation Cast Lead began 27 December 2008, lasted three weeks and killed over 1,100 Palestinians. The war prompted Israel to coordinate strikes with the United States and to tighten target-approval procedures. In 2024 the IDF required Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir’s sign-off on Gaza attacks against Hamas commander Salem Labad and Islamic Jihad leader Mahmoud Fatair, reflecting that legacy.

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IDF Airstrikes

The Israel Defense Forces launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing several Palestinian militants.
The attacks followed a new IDF rule requiring Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir’s approval for Gaza operations.
Israeli officials said the ceasefire remains in effect.
Eli Cohen said Israel has not approved disarmament plan signed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
No strikes occurred in Gaza for 48 hours except a single early Monday attack.

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