Israeli strikes kill Hamas commanders, including Sinwar's ex-bodyguard

In late August 2026, the Israeli military (IDF) carried out airstrikes in Gaza that killed several Hamas operatives, including two commanders and a former bodyguard of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. One of the commanders was reportedly responsible for holding three Israeli hostages. The strikes came as Israel renewed threats over kites and balloons launched from Gaza, with Defense Minister Israel Katz warning that such launches would be treated as acts of terrorism.