A senior Hamas official said Wednesday that an Israeli strike in central Gaza killed a top commander in the group�s armed wing, calling the attack a major escalation that threatens to unravel the ceasefire.

Hamas official Osama Hamdan confirmed the killing of Muhammad al-Hawli, a commander in the al-Qassam Brigades, during an attack in the Deir al-Balah area of central Gaza. Hamdan said at least five others were also killed, including Hawli�s wife and daughter.

�This is a dangerous escalation and reveals Israel�s intent to undermine the ceasefire agreement,� Hamdan said in a statement.
He urged U.S. President Donald Trump and Trump�s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to intervene.

�The ball is now in Trump�s and Witkoff�s court,� Hamdan said, adding that Washington must demonstrate Israel�s commitment to the ceasefire.

The IDF did not immediately comment on the reported strike.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)