Photo by
Anthony Hershko/TPS-IL on 15 March, 2025
Hamas Naval Commander Killed in Israeli Airstrike
Jerusalem, 6 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Israeli soldiers eliminated Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, commander of Hamas’ Naval Force in the northern Gaza Strip, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces said on Sunday.
“Saleh was a significant source of knowledge in the Hamas terrorist organization, and in recent weeks was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip.”
Also killed with Saleh were Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, Deputy Head of Hamas’ mortar shell array cell, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha, who operated within Hamas’ mortar shell array.
The IDF stressed that steps were taken ahead of the strike to mitigate the risk to civilians, including aerial surveillance, precise munitions and other measures.
The army’s announcement came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to depart for Washington, where he is scheduled to to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday
Media reports indicate the ceasefire will last 60 days and include the phased release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies. In exchange, Israel will release an unspecified number of Palestinian security prisoners. The deal includes mechanisms for humanitarian aid and a gradual redeployment of Israeli forces in the Strip. Hamas is expected to provide information on the remaining hostages, and Israel will disclose data on Palestinians detained or killed since October 7. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar will act as guarantors.
Netanyahu’s July 7 trip will be his third meeting with Trump since the U.S. President returned to office in January. The Prime Minister will also meet with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hasegawa, Congressional leaders, and other senior Trump administration officials.
Trump has intensified his push for a Gaza deal. However, talks remain stalled, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the war and Israel insisting on a temporary truce that preserves its right to resume fighting.
Netanyahu’s discussions are also expected to focus on the next steps with Iran, thawing Israeli-Syrian relations, and finalizing elements of a U.S.-Israel trade agreement.
At least 1,180 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 50 remaining hostages, around 30 are believed to be dead.
