Israeli military forces conducted a targeted strike on Tuesday evening in southern Gaza, successfully eliminating Hamas weapons smuggler Wissam Abu Ashak, as reported by the military the following morning.

The operation, carried out under the direction of IDF Intelligence, aimed to neutralize Ashak, identified by the military as a key figure in directing smuggling operations that funneled weapons into Gaza through the Rafah Crossing and underground tunnels over several years.

In addition to targeting Ashak, Israeli Air Force aircraft struck a launch site in the Rafah area overnight, where rockets were prepared for imminent firing. The strikes also encompassed several other strategic targets including terrorist cells, military installations, and subterranean tunnels.

The Israeli Defense Forces recently assumed full control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a move anticipated to severely restrict Hamas’s operational capabilities and its ability to procure weapons from external sources. This strategic control is viewed by IDF officials as pivotal in cutting off Hamas’s supply routes and preventing future smuggling activities.

Speaking on Monday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi noted that operational activities in Rafah were nearing completion, signaling significant progress in dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip. Halevi emphasized the importance of controlling the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent Hamas from replenishing its weapons arsenal and carrying out further smuggling operations.

The ongoing military actions underscore Israel’s commitment to countering threats posed by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza, with a focus on disrupting their logistical networks and defensive capabilities.

The strikes and strategic control over the corridor are part of broader efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, while minimizing the threat of terrorism and weapons proliferation from Gaza into Israeli territories.