Israel Says Hamas Finance Chief Muhammad Abu Alwan Killed In Khan Younis Strike

Israel said it killed Hamas finance department chief Muhammad Abu Alwan in Khan Younis, as Netanyahu and Katz vowed to target the group’s leadership, funding networks and infrastructure.

Post Published By: Pradeep Tripathi

Updated : 23 September 2026, 6:14 PM IST

Israel says Hamas finance chief killed in Gaza (Img: IANS)

Tel Aviv: Israeli forces have killed Hamas finance chief Muhammad Abu Alwan in a targeted strike in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis. The announcement was made by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz.

In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Katz said that the operation was carried out by the IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA). Israeli authorities described Abu Alwan as a senior Hamas financial official.

Israel Vows To Target Hamas Funding Network

"A short while ago in Khan Younis, the IDF eliminated Hamas terrorist organisation finance department head Muhammad Abu Alwan," the statement read.

"The Prime Minister and Defence Minister commend the IDF and the ISA for this precise operation and for their aggressive action to thwart our enemies," it added.

The Israel said operations targeting Hamas commanders, operatives and financial networks would continue. "We will continue to hunt down Hamas commanders and operatives, target its sources of funding, and destroy its terrorist infrastructure," Netanyahu and Katz said.

"We will not allow Hamas to rebuild its strength, nor will we stop until Hamas no longer exists in Gaza."

Joint Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz:
A short while ago in Khan Younis, the IDF eliminated Hamas terrorist organization finance department head Muhammad Abu Alwan.

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister commend the IDF and the…

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 23, 2026

Earlier Warning Over Gaza Kites And Drones

Last month Israel warned that it would intensify targeted action against those responsible for launching drones, balloons and kites from Gaza.

In a statement issued after a security assessment, Netanyahu said Israel would respond if the launches continued.

"there will be no return to the state of affairs prior to October 7. Israel will not allow the Hamas terrorist organization or any other element in the Gaza Strip to threaten our communities again and compromise our citizens' sense of security."

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem accused Israel of using the issue as a pretext for further attacks and described the threat as "threatening children". He called on the US, mediating states and the UN Security Council to pressure Israel to halt what he described as an escalation and said the Palestinian side remained "fully committed to" the ceasefire framework.