Hamas announced on Sunday the death of a prominent security official in a "Zionist raid" targeting a vehicle in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. The Ministry of Interior in Gaza reported that Colonel Wael Mousa Al-Ladawi, Director of Internal Security for the Central Governorate, was martyred. The Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip further stated that Colonel Al-Ladawi and Major Ramiz Tawfiq Abu Zurayq were killed "as a result of a direct targeting of their vehicle." Hamas added that "targeting security agencies falls within the occupation's policy aimed at spreading chaos and security disorder within the Strip."
Officials Identified and Mourned
The raid occurred in the city of Deir al-Balah, located in the central Gaza Strip, targeting a vehicle. Colonel Wael Mousa Al-Ladawi, identified as the Director of Internal Security for the Central Governorate, was 44 years old at the time of his death. Major Ramiz Tawfiq Abu Zurayq, also killed in the incident, was 49 years old. The Ministry of Interior in Gaza confirmed their deaths as a "direct targeting of their vehicle." Hamas accused the "occupation" of targeting security agencies to create "chaos and security disorder" within the Strip.
Hamas Accusations and Ceasefire Concerns
Major Ramiz Tawfiq Abu Zurayq was martyred alongside Colonel Wael Mousa Al-Ladawi, according to an announcement by Hamas. Hamas stated, "Hamas announced the martyrdom of a prominent security official in a Zionist raid that targeted a vehicle he was riding in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip." The Israeli occupation army confirmed conducting an operation, stating, "The Israeli occupation army announced carrying out a raid that targeted one of the elements of the Hamas movement, without providing additional details about the operation or the identity of the targeted person."
Hamas further asserted that such actions violate existing agreements. The group claimed, "Targeting security agencies falls within the occupation's policy aimed at spreading chaos and security disorder within the Strip, considering that these attacks represent a violation of the ceasefire agreement that was reached through American mediation last October." This statement suggests that Hamas views the raid as a breach of the ceasefire.
Broader Context of Gaza Violence
Hamas stated that targeting security agencies is part of what it describes as the "occupation's policy aimed at spreading chaos and security disorder within the Strip." The group also considered these attacks a violation of a ceasefire agreement reached through American mediation last October. According to health officials in the Gaza Strip, Zionist attacks since that ceasefire came into effect have resulted in the martyrdom of over 1190 Palestinians. The majority of these 1190 Palestinians were civilians. Hamas announced, "Hamas announced the martyrdom of a prominent security official in a Zionist raid that targeted a vehicle he was riding in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip." It added, "Targeting security agencies falls within the occupation's policy aimed at spreading chaos and security disorder within the Strip, considering that these attacks represent a violation of the ceasefire agreement that was reached through American mediation last October."