Samir Abu Younis

Samir Abu Younis is described by Hamas sources and Israeli media as the commander of the Rafah Brigade in the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. Ynet says he is also known as Abu Mahmoud. No official biography or reference-site entry for him was found, so this profile rests on news reports only.

On Sunday, 15 November 2026, the Israeli military said it had struck a senior commander in Hamas’ military wing, announcing the strike on X. In the reports reviewed it did not name him. Hamas sources told Reuters the target was Abu Younis. Medics said he was killed and others were wounded in an airstrike on a street in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Ynet, citing Palestinian sources, reported that he died in a drone strike while in a vehicle. It said he succeeded Nayal Abu Obeid as Rafah Brigade commander, and no date for his own appointment has been reported.

The strike came under the October 2025 ceasefire, which Reuters says halted major fighting but has not stopped Israeli attacks. Gaza health authorities say at least 1,600 Palestinians have died since it began. The reports reviewed carry no on-record Hamas statement, so his role and death rest on unnamed sources and medics.

Sources: Reuters via ThePrint, AAP via The Courier, Ynet