Witnesses said the Israeli unit posed as women and used a civilian bus to enter the area. After assassinating Sarhan, they kidnapped his wife and child. The body of Sarhan was later transferred to Nasser Hospital.
The armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees confirmed the assassination of their commander. They said Sarhan confronted the Israeli force in a direct gun battle and was killed while resisting. The group described the operation as a failed attempt to arrest him and vowed to continue their resistance.
Israeli media outlets also reported the killing. Channel 12 said the goal was not to rescue Israeli prisoners, but gave no further details. Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the army wanted to kidnap Sarhan for interrogation, possibly to extract information about Israeli prisoners in Gaza.
Israeli Army Radio admitted the operation might have failed. One correspondent questioned why the military risked a special unit’s lives to assassinate a target who could have been hit by an airstrike.
During the assault, Israeli aircraft launched over 30 airstrikes within 40 minutes to secure the withdrawal of the special forces. Helicopters and tanks also opened heavy fire, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians.
