In a continuation of the massive aerial assault on the Gaza Strip, Israel claimed on Tuesday to have killed one of the most senior commanders in Hamas' military wing. Ayman Nofal, the commander of Hamas's Central Gaza Brigade, was “eliminated” in an airstrike, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Nofal played a crucial role in the 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The IDF stated that Nofal had overseen the planning and execution of "many attacks against Israelis". Hamas confirmed Nofal's death following an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip.

The strike on Ayman Nofal was carried out in the Bureij refugee camp with support from intelligence gathered by Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency. Footage released by the IDF revealed a massive explosion and smoke billowing from a cluster of buildings. Furthermore, Nofal was described as "one of the most dominant senior officials in the organization, and was close to Muhammad Deif," according to Israeli military officials. Muhammad Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing, is the second-highest target on Israel's "kill list," following Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza.

Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF announced the killing of another top Hamas figure, Osama Mazini, the head of the group's Shura Council. Israeli media reports indicated that up to 14 people were killed in a separate strike on a house belonging to Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' exiled political leader. Among the dead were Haniyeh's brother and nephew.

As tensions continue to escalate, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a warning to Hamas members in Gaza, stating that they must choose between surrendering or facing death. He emphasized that Israel's warplanes would reach everywhere and that every missile had an address. Gallant's message to Hamas was clear: "We will reach each and every one of the members of Hamas??¦ There is no third option. We will wipe out the Hamas organization and dismantle all of its capabilities."

In response to the ongoing conflict, Israel has evacuated many of its border communities. However, Gaza's 2.4 million residents remain trapped within the enclave, as all exits remain closed.

In a separate development, the IDF announced the death of Osama Mazini, the head of Hamas's Shura Council and the group's chief hostage negotiator. The IDF stated that Mazini was "responsible for Hamas prisoners." Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, confirmed Mazini's death, adding that his family was also killed in the strike. Naim clarified that although Mazini was known as Hamas's chief hostage negotiator due to previous deals with Israel, he was not involved in the current hostage situation.

Earlier, the IDF released video footage of another strike that targeted the head of Hamas's general intelligence service. It is reported that Hamas's attacks on Israel have resulted in the death of at least 1,400 people. The group claimed to be holding 250 people hostage, while the Israeli military confirmed the identities of 199 hostages taken to Gaza.

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, called for an immediate end to the bombing of Gaza during a speech to students in Tehran. Khamenei warned that if the Zionist regime's crimes against Palestinians continued, no one would be able to confront Muslims and the resistance forces. The Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli bombing has killed over 2,800 people and injured more than 12,000.

In a surprising turn of events, Hamas released a video on Monday night believed to be the first proof-of-life video of a hostage held in Gaza. Mia Shem, a 21-year-old with joint Israeli-French citizenship, appeared in the video, stating that she was seriously injured and had undergone surgery in Gaza. Shem assured viewers that she was being taken care of and that "everything is fine." Her mother, Karen Shem, pleaded with world leaders to help free her daughter, expressing her relief upon seeing the video and finally knowing that her daughter was alive.