Hamas condemns Israeli raid of Khan Younis and detainment of a mother and child

A specialist Israeli military unit entered the city of Khan Younis, disguised as women, and attempted to "kidnap" Ahmed Kamel Sarhan, the commander of the Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, according to a press release by Hamas on Monday.

Hamas went on to say that Sarhan was able to thwart the operation but was killed in the process, and the operation was a failure for the Israeli military.

They also said the Israeli army detained Sarhan’s wife and child and used them as "human shields" to withdraw from Khan Younis.

Hamas condemned the move as a violation of humanitarian laws. It said they held the Israeli government responsible for the lives of Sarhan’s wife and child, as well as all the prisoners held by Israel. They called on the international community to intervene immediately to protect and release them.

Hamas also said that Israel’s escalating threats of forced eviction and displacement would not weaken the resolve of the Palestinians and their inalienable rights to freedom and self-determination.