The IDF and Shin Bet announced Monday that they eliminated Musa Shaldan, the deputy commander of Hamas’ Zeitun Battalion, in a targeted strike in Gaza City last week.

Shaldan, a veteran operative within Hamas, played a central role in orchestrating both combat operations against Israeli forces and propaganda spectacles tied to the release of Israeli hostages. According to the joint IDF-ISA statement, he was killed in a strike on Wednesday.

Shaldan rose through the ranks of Hamas’ Zeitun Battalion, serving as both intelligence officer and deputy company commander before assuming his role as deputy battalion commander. He commanded forces during the October 7th massacre in southern Israel.

In recent months, Shaldan became notorious for his role in Hamas’ hostage release parades, appearing publicly alongside freed captives during staged processions in Gaza City. He also reportedly played a part in the latest hostage release deal.

The IDF and ISA accused Shaldan of conducting military operations from within civilian and humanitarian shelters in Gaza, using them as cover to launch attacks. These included sniper fire, improvised explosive devices, and anti-tank missiles aimed at Israeli soldiers.

He was also identified as one of the figures behind Hamas’ incendiary balloon campaign, which set fires and damaged agricultural fields in Israeli communities near the border. In addition, Israeli officials say he designed Hamas’ combat compound plan in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City.

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