Israel started tightening the noose in May with an effort to flush out militants and destroy the extensive tunnel system where Hamas has hidden fighters, hostages and weapons throughout the conflict. The strategy was to cut off sections of the underground web from one another, said Israeli military officials.

A cease-fire after two years of war with Israel has allowed Hamas to tighten its grip on power again. “It’s still standing,” one Israeli official said.

We are open to have a comprehensive approach in order to avoid further escalation,” said Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ decision-making political bureau.

The ceasefire in Gaza is broadly holding, with Israeli forces inside the strip having pulled back to the so-called "yellow line." Israel Defense Forces chief Eyal Zamir said the position constitutes "a new border line" with Gaza.

Abu Shabab's death would be a boost to Hamas, which branded him a collaborator and ordered its fighters to kill or capture him.

Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab died from injuries sustained in a clan confrontation while working to distribute aid and fight Hamas in Rafah.

The leader of an anti-Hamas gang that was armed and backed by Israel has been killed in Gaza, three Israeli sources told CNN.

The Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, pushed back on claims that his country supports or finances Hamas, telling Tucker Carlson in an interview at the 2025 Doha Forum that Hamas is only there because the Obama administration asked Qatar to take them,

Former hostage Edan Alexander wears IDF uniform for first time since Gaza captivity, vowing to use his knowledge of Hamas tactics to fight back.