IDF Kills Senior Hamas Commander Muhammad al-‘Ajlah in Gaza Airstrike Amid Ceasefire Stalemate

US • Politics • 04/15 18:52
IDF Kills Senior Hamas Commander Muhammad al-‘Ajlah in Gaza Airstrike Amid Ceasefire Stalemate

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the elimination of Muhammad al-‘Ajlah, a senior Hamas commander and head of the Shejaiya battalion, in a targeted airstrike in Gaza on Sunday night. This marks the third such elimination since hostilities resumed on March 18. The strike is part of Israel's intensified military campaign in Gaza, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump. Ceasefire and hostage negotiations remain stalled, with Hamas rejecting Israel's proposal due to disarmament demands. The situation in Gaza is dire, with ongoing hostilities and a humanitarian crisis.

Key Updates

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04/15 18:52

IDF Kills Senior Hamas Commander Muhammad al-‘Ajlah in Gaza Airstrike Amid Ceasefire Stalemate

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the elimination of Muhammad al-‘Ajlah, a senior Hamas commander and head of the Shejaiya battalion, in a targeted airstrike in Gaza on Sunday night. This marks the third such elimination since hostilities resumed on March 18. The strike is part of Israel's intensified military campaign in Gaza, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump. Ceasefire and hostage negotiations remain stalled, with Hamas rejecting Israel's proposal due to disarmament demands. The situation in Gaza is dire, with ongoing hostilities and a humanitarian crisis.

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Israeli Air Strike Hits Gaza's Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital: Key Departments Destroyed, IDF Alleges Hamas Presence

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IDF Strike Targets Key Hamas Figure

Muhammad al-‘Ajlah, who had recently assumed command of Hamas’ Shejaiya battalion following the death of his predecessor, was killed in what the IDF described as a “precise strike” in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City. According to the IDF and Israel’s Internal Security Agency (ISA), al-‘Ajlah was responsible for arming Hamas operatives with weapons used in attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The Shejaiya battalion, a key unit within Hamas’ military wing, has been central to the group’s urban warfare strategy, utilizing tunnels, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and rocket fire. The IDF stated that al-‘Ajlah was the fifth commander of the battalion to be eliminated since the war began in October 2023, and the third since operations resumed in March 2025.

“Numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including issuing advanced warnings, using precise munitions, and conducting aerial surveillance,” the IDF said in a statement.

Renewed Military Campaign and U.S. Support

The strike on al-‘Ajlah comes amid a broader Israeli ground and air campaign in Gaza, which resumed on March 18 following a two-month ceasefire. The renewed offensive has been bolstered by increased U.S. military support under President Donald Trump, who has reversed previous restrictions on arms shipments to Israel.

According to Israeli and U.S. sources, the Trump administration has authorized the delivery of over 3,000 aerial munitions to the Israeli Air Force. The shipments are part of a broader strategic alignment aimed at reinforcing Israel’s operational capabilities in Gaza and preparing for potential conflict with Iran.

Trump has publicly supported Israel’s military actions, stating, “This is not our war,” while simultaneously facilitating arms transfers and offering to mediate between Israel and regional actors such as Turkey. Israeli officials have expressed concern over the long-term implications of U.S. disengagement, even as they welcome the immediate military support.

Hostage Crisis and Ceasefire Negotiations

The elimination of al-‘Ajlah coincides with mounting pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Of the 251 individuals abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks, 59 remain in captivity, including 34 whom the IDF believes are deceased.

Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, delivered via Egyptian mediators, includes a 45-day truce, the release of 10 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid. However, the proposal also demands the disarmament of Hamas and a phased Israeli military withdrawal—conditions that Hamas has firmly rejected.

“Handing over the resistance’s weapons is a million red lines and is not subject to consideration, let alone discussion,” Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters.

Hamas has insisted that any agreement must include a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian access. The group has also claimed it lost contact with the captors of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander following an Israeli strike, though no independent verification has been provided.

Stalemate in Cairo Talks

Negotiations in Cairo, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, have so far failed to produce a breakthrough. Hamas officials have indicated they are reviewing the latest Israeli proposal but remain unwilling to accept any terms that include disarmament or continued Israeli military presence in Gaza.

An Egyptian official involved in the talks said Hamas may agree to release 11 living hostages and the remains of 16 deceased captives if the ceasefire is extended to 70 days, potentially covering the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in early June.

Despite the lack of progress, Israeli officials remain cautiously optimistic. A senior Israeli security source told Yedioth Ahronoth, “We assess that there will be a deal within two to three weeks, but right now there are still gaps and the distance is great.”

Escalation on the Ground

As diplomatic efforts falter, the IDF continues to expand its control over key areas in Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces had captured territory along the Philadelphia Corridor and the Morag axis, effectively isolating southern Gaza from the rest of the Strip.

“The main goal is to exert heavy pressure on Hamas in favor of returning to the outline of releasing the abductees,” Katz said. “Gaza will become smaller and more isolated, and more and more of its residents will be forced to evacuate the combat zones.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the United Nations warning of a spiraling crisis due to the lack of aid and ongoing hostilities. International mediators continue to push for a resolution, but the path forward remains uncertain as both sides hold firm to their core demands.

References

People Also Ask...

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How can we push for a ceasefire that respects human rights and addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?

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How might the elimination of Muhammad al-‘Ajlah impact the stalled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas?

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What's the deal with the IDF taking out that Hamas commander in Gaza? Any updates on the ceasefire talks?