The IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) also confirmed it killed Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma, Yahya Sinwar’s bodyguard and a Hamas Nukhba terrorist who infiltrated Re’im on October 7.
An IDF biographical infographic on Hamas terrorist Ismail Mohammed Ibrahim Barim, who held three hostages in the Gaza Strip, published August 27, 2026.
The IDF struck and killed Hamas terrorist Ismail Mohammad Ibrahim Barim in Khan Yunis on Wednesday, the military confirmed on Thursday.
Barim was a commander in the terror group's Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, the military noted.
After the October 7 massacre, he was responsible for holding three hostages in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip, the military said.
Additionally, he had been "advancing attacks targeting IDF troops and Israeli civilians and attempted to rehabilitate the terrorist organization, while systematically violating the ceasefire," the military said.
Hamas terrorists Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma and Hazem Mousa on October 7. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S
IDF kills Yahya Sinwar's former bodyguard, add'l Hamas Nukhba terrorist in Gaza strike
The IDF killed two Hamas Nukhba terrorists in strikes on the Gaza Strip on Sunday, themilitary said in a statement earlier on Thursday.
The IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) killed Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma, Yahya
Sinwar’s bodyguard and a Hamas Nukhba terrorist who infiltrated Re’im on October 7.
The military and Shin Bet also killed Hazem Mousa, a Nukhba terrorist who infiltrated Re’im on October 7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yca_EL-DJnI
The IDF said that the two were advancing terror attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians while also attempting to rebuild Hamas’ capabilities in the Gaza Strip.
IDF kills anti-tank Hamas commander in strike on al-Shati area of Gaza Strip
Meanwhile, the IDF also killed Bilal Ibrahim Saleh Raqi‘i, a commander in the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades' anti-tank array during a Thursday strike on the al-Shati area in the northern Gaza Strip, the military confirmed on Thursday evening.
In the same announcement, the IDF confirmed that it also killed Azzam Rifaat Abd Abadala, a terrorist within Hamas's Khan Yunis Brigade.
Both Raqi'i and Abd Abadala had continued to advance terror attacks against the IDF and Israeli civilians, according to the IDF, who said they acted to remove the threat posed by the two terrorists.
IDF strikes Hamas terror infrastructure in Gaza
This comes after the IDF struck and destroyed a structure in the Jabalya area of the Gaza Strip that was used as an ambush position for Hamas terrorists and as a storage facility for various types of weapons on Tuesday, the military said on Wednesday.
The position was located approximately 50 meters from the Yellow Line, 70 meters from Kamal Adwan Hospital, and 170 meters from a school, the IDF said, calling it an example of Hamas's systematic use of civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, contrary to both the ceasefire agreement and international law.
The move means supporters and leading members face a lifetime ban from entering the US.
Officials in Washington accused the group of promoting 'acts of terrorism' on social media and of encouraging people to copy its tactics overseas, including in the US.
It is the first known case of a British hard-Left activist group being subjected to US counter-terrorism sanctions.
It means any assets held by Palestine Action in the US – including bank accounts and property – will be frozen. US firms will also be banned from doing business with it.
The group will effectively be cut off from the global financial system as the sanctions also prevent anyone giving it funds, goods or services.
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, announced the sanctions, saying that 'Far-Left terrorism poses a profound threat to the United States and the broader West'
Palestine Action was founded by British citizens Richard Barnard (L) and Huda Ammori in the UK in July 2020
Britons who continue to fund the organisation or take part in protests could also face sanctions and visa bans, it is understood.
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, announced the sanctions, saying: 'Far-Left terrorism poses a profound threat to the United States and the broader West.
'There will be no refuge for violent extremists who wage war on our civilisation and plot to undermine law and order, destroy critical infrastructure, assault political opponents, or conspire to conceal their crimes from authorities.
'We will use all the tools and authorities at our disposal to fight terrorism and protect our way of life from terrorist coercion.'
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would bring 'the full weight of our economic tools to bear' against hard-Left groups.
He added: 'Political terrorism has no place in our society, and we will continue to cut the financial lifelines of these groups until they are eliminated.'
Palestine Action has embarked on a campaign of trespass, vandalism and property damage since the October 7 massacre in Israel in 2023.
It targets companies and buildings in Britain that it claims are linked to Israel and 'Zionism'.
Earlier this year, four Palestine Action activists who mounted a 'terrorist' raid on Israel-based defence firm Elbit Systems' UK factory, near Bristol, and caused £1.2million-worth of damage in 2024 were jailed.
In June, Court of Appeal judges ruled the UK Government's ban on the organisation as a terror group was 'justified and proportionate' on freedom of expression rights.
UK organisation will face same sanctions as Hamas, al-Qaeda and Isis with supporters banned from US for life
Supporters are now barred for life from entering the US.
The organisation's assets are also frozen, including property and bank accounts, while US citizens are prevented from doing business with them.
All of the group's property in the United States or in the possession or control of American citizens has been blocked.
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said: 'Far-left extremists, their fronts, and their enablers should be on notice: We will bring the full weight of our economic tools to bear.
'Political terrorism has no place in our society, and we will continue to cut the financial lifelines of these groups until they are eliminated.'
Palestine Action has 'promoted its violent, criminal, and terrorist acts on social media, encouraging the use of similar tactics internationally, including within the United States and along the US-Mexican border'.
The group has been sanctioned for having 'materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods and services to or in support of, an act of terrorism', the US Treasury said.
It means US nationals will be prohibited from doing any business with the group or contributing any money.
British citizens Richard Barnard and Huda Ammori co-founded Palestine Action in July 2022
Police have made mass arrests at multiple demos since then.
Earlier this year, four Palestine Action activists who mounted a 'terrorist' raid on Israel-based defence firm Elbit Systems' UK factory were jailed.
Charlotte Head, 30, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, and Fatema Rajwani, 21, used sledgehammers and crowbars to destroy computers, drones and other equipment before police and security intervened.
Corner, a former student at Oxford, struck police officer Kate Evans twice on the back with a seven-pound sledgehammer, leaving her with a fractured spine.
Mr Justice Johnson gave the four prison sentences of between seven years and eight months and four years and eight months, with each defendant also spending an extra year on licence.
During the hearing, the judge ruled the raid amounted to an 'act of terrorism', having been carried out to try to influence the UK Government and intimidate a section of the public.
Expressing support for proscribed organisations is a criminal offence and anyone doing so can expect to be arrested.
US targets Palestine Action in counterterrorism effort against 'far-left' groups
The move follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s push to focus counterterrorism efforts on “far-left terror”
The United States designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group, as US President Donald Trump's administration seeks to crack down on left-wing groups in its counterterrorism efforts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month told officials from more than 60 countries that Washington would seek to refocus international counterterrorism efforts on what he called "far-left terror."
Trump singled out the anti-fascist antifa movement on the campaign trail in 2024, and vowed to take action against left-wing groups he accuses of fomenting violence after the killing of conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk last year.
"Far-left extremists, their fronts, and their enablers should be on notice: We will bring the full weight of our economic tools to bear," Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said.
Italy-based entity sanctioned for supplying antifa, other far-left groups
The US Treasury Department on Wednesday also imposed sanctions on an Italy-based entity it accused of supplying digital architecture, tools and services for antifa and other far-left groups.
The US. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the transnational group Masar Badil because it operates as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The latter group had already been designated by the US. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Delta Air Lines will resume daily nonstop flights from New York JFK to Tel Aviv on September 6, following a review of regional security conditions.
Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday that it will restore daily nonstop service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, with flights set to resume in September.
The first departure from JFK is scheduled for September 6, with the aircraft due to arrive in Israel the following morning. The return flight will leave Tel Aviv on September 7 and reach New York later that day. Delta said the route will be operated using Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
"The resumption of service follows a thorough review of the evolving security environment in the region. The safety and security of our customers and employees remain our top priority, and Delta will continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with aviation authorities and government agencies. Customers are encouraged to check delta.com and the Delta app for the latest flight updates and travel information," the airline said.
Delta had announced in March that it would suspend its Israel flights through September, citing its assessment of security conditions in the region. The airline said passenger and employee safety remained its primary consideration.
The company also postponed indefinitely the planned introduction of a new Boston-Tel Aviv route, which had been scheduled to begin in late October
Delta was among numerous international carriers that halted flights to Israel amid security tensions in recent years. However, international air service at Ben Gurion Airport has recently shown signs of recovery, with airlines announcing plans to resume or expand operations.
Earlier this month, United Airlines announced that it would restart flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Ben Gurion Airport beginning September 8. The carrier plans to operate two daily flights on the route.
Terrorists eliminated as IDF strikes Hamas position near Kamal Adwan Hospital and a school, where weapons were stored and attacks were being planned.
Hamas structure used as an ambush positionIDF spokesperson
The IDF on Tuesday struck in the Jabaliya area in Gaza, destroying a structure used as an ambush position by terrorists from Hamas’ military wing, as well as for storing various types of weapons.
Recently, Hamas terrorists planned to advance attacks against IDF troops and have attempted to rehabilitate the military capability of the terrorist organization from the same structure.
Several terrorists were eliminated in the strike in order to remove the threat.
"The ambush position was approximately 50 meters from the Yellow Line and posed a threat to IDF troops operating in the area in accordance with the agreement," a statement from the IDF noted. "The structure was struck in order to remove the threat."
The position was approximately 70 meters from Kamal Adwan Hospital and approximately 170 meters from a school.
The IDF emphasized, "This is another example of Hamas’ systematic use of civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, in violation of the ceasefire agreement and international law."
"Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.
"Security forces in the Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat."
The Israeli Prime Minister said an agreement was not possible with the 'savages' who rule Iran, referring to the authorities in Tehran.
Speaking at an event in Jerusalem for Israeli settlers in Judea and Samaria, Netanyahu said he told Trump in a meeting at the White House last month: 'I doubt that an agreement can be reached with that group there, with those savages.
'I tell you - an agreement cannot be reached.'
Netanyahu added that the two also discussed renewing military action against Iran: 'We will not allow Iran to attack us, and if, God forbid, they attack us, they will suffer a blow beyond anything they have imagined– far stronger than anything they have suffered until now'
Netanyahu also hailed the US president's new campaign after Trump declared 'economic D-Day' aimed at destroying Iran's economy.
It has already endured years of sanctions, but Trump has shown reluctance to resume a full-scale war even as he grows frustrated that Tehran will not accept his demands.
Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any diplomatic deal with Iran as he backed Donald Trump's new economic campaign (pictured together at the White House)
The Israeli Prime Minister said: '[Trump] reaffirmed that decision with something very, very, very powerful.
'What President Trump did yesterday was to tighten the siege on Iran - not by tightening the siege on Iran itself, but by tightening the siege on those who help that regime, that terrible dictatorship. That is very important.'
Netanyahu has long been sceptical of diplomacy with Iran, openly campaigning against a 2015 nuclear deal brokered by then US president Barack Obama, but he has been publicly careful not to criticise Trump who has also sought a negotiated settlement.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir says IDF will continue dismantling Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza: ‘Those who took part in the 10/7 massacre will be hunted down until they are all eliminated.'
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a tour of Gaza on Tuesday together with Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division Commander Brig. Gen. Liron Bitito, and brigade and battalion commanders.
During the tour, Zamir spoke with commanders, who briefed him on the operational situation and the activities of IDF forces in the area.
Zamir expressed his appreciation for the soldiers and commanders operating in Gaza to protect Israeli civilians. Referring to the ongoing campaign, he said: “In about a month and a half, we will mark three years since October 7. Three years in which the IDF has faced a complex, continuous, multi-front campaign-in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and additional arenas."
He added: “This is a very significant challenge for the IDF, and we have achieved extraordinary results on every front and in every sector. Our forces have prevailed in every battle, significantly weakened all our enemies, and struck their capabilities and infrastructure. We continue to prepare and remain vigilant on all fronts, understanding that the campaign is not over."
Zamir addressed the IDF’s objectives in Gaza, stating: “In Gaza, we are not giving up on the overriding objective-demilitarizing Gaza and dismantling Hamas, using all necessary means. We continue to systematically target Hamas and its leaders wherever they are, as part of an ongoing campaign to prevent it from rebuilding its strength."
The IDF chief also addressed the pursuit of terrorists who participated in the October 7 massacre: “The pursuit of the October 7 terrorists continues. Anyone who took part in the massacre will be hunted down until they are all eliminated. This is a long-term mission to which the command and the entire IDF are committed."
Zamir said the IDF has changed its approach following the October 7 attacks: “Our message is clear: We investigated and are learning the lessons. The IDF will not return to the concepts we experienced on October 6. There will be no containment of threats."
“We will not allow the enemy to rebuild itself, we will not allow terrorist infrastructure to become established, and we will act whenever possible to eliminate threats as they emerge," he said.
“We are listening to the voices of the residents, understand their concerns, and will know how to reach anyone behind a threat against them," Zamir said. “Our forces are deployed on the front lines ahead of the communities and continue to thwart terrorist infrastructure and terrorists."
Zamir also addressed the movement of forces between different fronts, noting that only about three months ago he had met commanders of the Givati Brigade and 401st Brigade on the northern border. “Now you are here, continuing to deepen the achievements in Gaza. Southern Command and the division continue to precisely thwart threats whenever the opportunity arises."
The IDF chief praised the forces’ activities, saying: “There are tremendous achievements here, based on the determined and uncompromising activity of the forces on the ground. This is also not the first time I have met the reservist battalion of the 11th Brigade. The battalion is mobilized for 90 days in this round. I am aware of the extraordinary burden on reservists and their families. We are committed to continuing to act on your behalf."
North Macedonia has made ties with Israel a foreign-policy priority
Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski tells The Jerusalem Post that his first official visit to Israel is intended to take already “excellent” relations to the next level
North Macedonia has made strengthening relations with Israel a priority of its foreign policy and is seeking to expand cooperation in areas ranging from defense and investment to tourism and water management, Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski told The Jerusalem Post during his first official visit to Israel.
“We have had a very strong relationship with Israel, but also myself with Gideon, over the last few years,” Mucunski said. “I think that this visit is an opportunity to move the bilateral relationship to the next step, to move from a place where we’re at right now, which is excellent bilateral relations, to having that relationship develop into various different areas of mutual importance.”
During their meeting, Sa’ar and Mucunski signed two cooperation agreements and discussed expanding ties in agriculture, water management, security, innovation, tourism, health, and education.
Expanding, investing in defense ties
Mucunski told the Post that the two sides also discussed cooperation between their defense industries, increasing investment and restoring direct air links between Israel and Macedonia.
North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski met with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar during a 24-hour diplomatic visit to Israel, focused on expanding bilateral ties. (credit: SHLOMI AMSALEM/GPO)
“One of the first things that we talked about is if we can work together to establish a direct flight between Tel Aviv and Skopje, or Tel Aviv and Ohrid, which is our main tourist center and a city that I believe that every Israeli would love to visit at some point,” he said.
The two ministers also signed agreements focusing on education, culture, and sports, while tasking their teams with looking at further opportunities in water management, agriculture, investment, and defense.
Mucunski described a direct flight as an important first step toward increasing the movement of people and businesses between the countries.
“We would love to have more and more tourists from Israel visiting Skopje, visiting Ohrid, but as well as the entirety of our country,” he said.
The visit comes amid a noticeable increase in high-level contacts between Israel and North Macedonia - Skopje Mayor Orce Gjiogjievski visited for the MUNI EXPO in June, and MP Rashela Mizarahi led a parliamentary delegation from the Balkan nation in January. Mucunski said the trend reflects a deliberate policy adopted by the government of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
Mickoski believes in stronger collaboration with Israel
“Prime Minister Mickoski himself believes that stronger collaboration with Israel is a necessity for our country to also be successful,” he said. “There are many things that we can learn from you. There are many common values that we share, both domestically and internationally.
“Since the formation of our government, we have made the bilateral relationship with Israel one of the priorities of our foreign policy,” he added.
Mucunski said he and Sa’ar communicate “on a fairly regular basis” and have remained in frequent contact despite Monday marking his first visit to the country.
Sa’ar, meanwhile, thanked North Macedonia for standing alongside Israel in international forums, particularly since the October 7 massacre.
“North Macedonia has demonstrated its friendship by standing up to these attempts in the international arena,” Sa’ar said. “We appreciate its voting record and its support for Israel. Israel values its friends who stand by it in difficult times.”
For Mucunski, one example of the relationship came following the deadly nightclub fire in Kočani in March 2025, which left 63 people dead, when Israel dispatched a medical delegation to Macedonia to help treat victims.
“Gideon Sa’ar was one of the first foreign ministers to call me,” Mucunski recalled. “I might not remember the content of the call, but I remember what happened very quickly after.”
A team of Israeli doctors arrived shortly afterward and began working alongside Macedonian medical teams, he said.
“They were performing surgery in our hospitals and helping our doctors with their experience and their in-depth knowledge, and helping to save the lives of many young individuals,” Mucunski said. “This situation was proof that Israel stands by my country.”
A European gateway for Israelis
Mucunski said North Macedonia now hopes to position itself as a destination not only for Israeli tourists but also for Israeli companies seeking access to European markets.
“We want to be a gateway for Israelis who want to visit Europe,” he said. “But we want to be a gateway not just for tourists, but also for Israeli businesses.”
He pointed to Macedonia’s position along two major European transport corridors, investment in energy connectivity, and its efforts to attract foreign investment.
“We can also be a gateway for Israelis who want to invest in a European market that hasn’t been fully utilized by the Israeli business community,” Mucunski said.
Monday’s visit lasted only around 24 hours, but Mucunski said he expected it to be the first of more visits to Israel.
“This is my first visit,” he said, “but I am absolutely sure that it will not be my last.”
The Jerusalem Post will publish a longer, in-depth interview with Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski later this week.
