Israel Confirms Killing Hamas’s Minister of Economy in Airstrike

Jerusalem, 5 August, 2024 (TPS) -- Abed Al-Zeriei, Hamas’s Minister of Economy who was also involved in weapons production, was killed in an airstrike, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Monday morning.

Al-Zeriei worked in Hamas’s manufacturing department, where he sought to increase its weapons capabilities and exchanged information with other terror groups in the Middle East.

The army said Al-Zeriei also played a significant role in directing Hamas’s efforts to seize control of humanitarian aid entering Gaza and managing Hamas-controlled markets. The IDF added that he was also responsible for the distribution of fuel, gas, and funds for terror purposes.

At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 115 remaining hostages, 39 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.