Senior Hamas finance figure eliminated in Gaza

Zaqout was responsible for raising and transferring tens of millions of dollars to the group’s military wing over the past year.

By World Israel News Staff

The IDF and Shin Bet announced Wednesday that a joint operation carried out two weeks ago in Gaza eliminated Abd al-Hay Zaqout, a senior Hamas financial operative, in the same strike that targeted Ra’ad Sa’ad, one of the terror group’s most senior military commanders.

According to IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, the strike hit a vehicle carrying both men.

Zaqout, a Gaza City resident and key member of Hamas’ military wing finance department, was responsible over the past year for raising and transferring tens of millions of dollars to the organization’s military arm to sustain its war against Israel.

Zaqout was a central figure in Hamas’ financial infrastructure and one of the main targets in Israel’s ongoing economic campaign to disrupt the group’s ability to fund and maintain its military operations.

The same strike eliminated Ra’ad Sa’ad, Hamas’ weapons chief and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre in southern Israel.

Sa’ad played a major role in the group’s weapons production and procurement efforts, and his death was described by Israeli officials as a significant blow to Hamas’ ability to rebuild its military capabilities.

The operation reflects Israel’s strategy of targeting not only battlefield commanders but also the financial and logistical figures who enable Hamas to function.

By striking both the organization’s funding networks and its senior military leadership, Israel aims to prevent Hamas from regrouping, rearming, and sustaining prolonged fighting.

The IDF said it will continue coordinated operations with the Shin Bet to dismantle Hamas’ leadership at all levels, including those responsible for financing, planning, and executing terror attacks against Israel.