IDF Eliminates Senior PIJ Commander Sa’ed Saeed Zaki Dahnoun in Northern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the elimination of Sa’ed Saeed Zaki Dahnoun, a senior commander in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), who was responsible for overseeing rocket operations in northern Gaza. Dahnoun, a key figure in the October 7 massacre and several ambushes against IDF troops, was neutralized in a targeted operation by the Givati Brigade last week.

In footage released by the IDF, Dahnoun, alongside another terrorist, attempted to approach IDF troops under cover of blankets. After the operation, the second terrorist surrendered and was apprehended for questioning, revealing an improvised explosive device (IED) they had been carrying.

This marks one of the many successful operations the IDF has carried out against Hamas and PIJ militants. In parallel, airstrikes were conducted targeting Hamas and PIJ operatives in areas such as Khan Yunis and Dier al-Balah, regions that have become key operational hubs for terrorist groups amidst the ongoing conflict.

As Israel’s military operations intensify in Gaza, the IDF has reiterated its commitment to protecting Israeli citizens from the threat posed by terror organizations. This escalation comes alongside Israel’s broader strategy of targeted strikes aimed at crippling Hamas’ capabilities, dismantling its rocket-launching infrastructure, and countering terrorist activities within Gaza’s densely populated areas.

Israel’s operations are now focused on dismantling Hamas’ network, with military authorities acknowledging the difficulty of entirely defeating the group in the short term.