Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 19, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Report: Hamas claims it was targeting Israeli-backed militia, not IDF troops
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleNurit Yohanan is The Times of Israel's Palestinian and Arab world correspondent
Media outlets affiliated with Hamas in Gaza report that the operation carried out by Hamas in eastern Rafah earlier today was intended to target Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of a militia operating with Israeli support in the area.
The militia is located in a zone under Israeli control, according to the ceasefire agreement.
No further details about the Hamas attack have been provided.
The IDF reportedly responded with airstrikes after terror operatives attacked Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military has not officially commented on the clash.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here