The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that they have successfully killed a Hamas leader responsible for a recent rocket attack on the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. The attack occurred on October 7th when hundreds of rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip, injuring seven people. In response, the IDF launched several airstrikes in retaliation. Now, the IDF has announced that they were able to pinpoint and kill Saleh al-Arouri, a prominent Hamas leader. Al-Arouri was linked to the planning of the October 7th attack and was one of the main masterminds behind the militant group’s military operations. A statement from the IDF confirmed that al-Arouri was killed by “precise precision-guided munitions” which were launched at his home in Beit Hanoun, located in the northern Gaza Strip. The IDF also stated that al-Arouri was a senior member of the Hamas military wing and was responsible for coordinating multiple terror attacks against Israel. Furthermore, he was also heavily involved in the production and smuggling of weapons within the Gaza Strip. This is not the first time that the IDF has targeted the Hamas leadership. Last December, the IDF killed Yehiyeh Sinwar, the chief leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In the wake of al-Arouri’s death, Hamas has vowed to retaliate against Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he will not allow the militant group to threaten the security of Israel. The IDF is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region, and will continue to target any Hamas leaders who are planning or carrying out terrorist attacks against Israel.