IDF Targets October 7 Terrorist and Islamic Jihad Commander in Gaza Following Ceasefire Violations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of targeted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, February 15, and Monday, February 16, 2026. These operations resulted in the elimination of a Hamas terrorist involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks and a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commander. The IDF stated that the strikes were a direct response to what it described as 'blatant violations' of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

Key Figures Targeted

Among those killed in the strikes was Ahmad Bayouk, identified by the IDF as a Hamas terrorist who infiltrated the Re'im military base during the October 7, 2023, onslaught. Bayouk was reportedly eliminated during airstrikes conducted overnight and into Sunday morning.

Separately, a strike on Monday in southern Gaza's Rafah eliminated Azem Abu Huli, a commander in Palestinian Islamic Jihad's elite forces in central Gaza. According to the IDF, Abu Huli was responsible for supplying weapons to other terror operatives, advancing attacks against Israeli forces, and commanded Islamic Jihad terrorists who invaded Israel on October 7. He also reportedly trained operatives 'to practice scenarios involving the abduction of IDF soldiers' throughout the ongoing conflict.

Ceasefire Violations Prompt Response

The IDF's actions were initiated in response to several reported breaches of the ceasefire agreement. On Saturday night, February 14, five Palestinian gunmen reportedly emerged from a tunnel and approached Israeli troops on the Israeli side of the ceasefire line. This incident was cited as a 'blatant violation' of the truce.

Additionally, the Monday strike that killed Azem Abu Huli was carried out in response to an attack by gunmen on Israeli troops in southern Gaza's Rafah a day prior. The IDF emphasized its view of 'any violation of the ceasefire agreement with utmost severity' and affirmed its commitment to 'continue to operate against any attempt by terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to carry out attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel.'

Broader Context of the Ceasefire

The recent escalation occurs within the framework of a fragile US-brokered ceasefire that took effect in October 2025. While large-scale hostilities have reportedly subsided since its implementation, the ceasefire has been characterized by periodic incidents and mutual accusations of violations. Hamas authorities reported that at least 12 people were killed in the recent Israeli strikes across northern Gaza, Gaza City, and Khan Younis.