The IDF confirmed on Tuesday that Izz al-Din Bik, the commander of the Northern Gaza Strip Brigade in Hamas's military wing, was eliminated early Tuesday morning in a targeted strike in western Gaza City.
Bik had served in this position since the elimination of Ahmed Ghandour, after previously serving as the brigade’s military intelligence chief.
He is seen as a major figure in the terrorist group's military council, overseeing combat and defense in Gaza City. Israel attempted to eliminate him six months ago, but he survived the strike.
According to the IDF, as part of his role, Bik was responsible for managing the activities of the brigade’s terrorists and directing them to advance and carry out terror attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians. In addition, he worked to restore the brigade’s force buildup, which had suffered severe damage throughout the war.
The IDF noted that the terrorist posed an immediate threat to IDF troops and Israeli civilians and was eliminated in a precise aerial strike.
According to local reports, Israeli warplanes struck a hideout where Bik was with heavy bombs, destroying the entire complex and eliminating the terrorist.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the elimination and pledged: "We will continue to hunt and pursue all of the organization's terrorists, from its commanders down to its last operative, wherever they may hide - until Hamas no longer exists in Gaza."
Bik is the third Hamas brigade commander to be eliminated this month, following the commanders of the Rafah Brigade and Khan Yunis Brigade.