An airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Khan Yunis area of the Gaza Strip has neutralized one of the commanders of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.
According to the IDF, Tariq Anwar Khamis Rai, a logistics company commander in Islamic Jihad, was killed during the operation.
The Israeli military stated that Khamis Rai infiltrated the Beeri kibbutz during the October 7, 2023 attack and participated in the kidnapping of an Israeli citizen.
The army's statement noted that in recent periods, the individual had been involved in preparing new attacks against IDF forces and Israeli citizens.
"This individual was neutralized in order to eliminate the emerging threat," the IDF stated.
The Israeli military also noted that forces operating under the command of the Southern Command have been deployed in the area in accordance with agreements and will continue operations to prevent any activity posing a direct threat to Israel.
