“Was Hamas’s Naval Commander Ramzi Saleh Targeted Before Netanyahu–Trump Summit?”

July 6, 2025: Israeli forces have eliminated Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, the commander of Hamas’ Naval Force in northern Gaza, in a targeted airstrike on Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday. Saleh was a key Hamas operative, recently involved in planning maritime terrorist attacks against Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip.

The precision strike also killed Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, deputy head of Hamas’ mortar shell array, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha, a senior figure in Hamas’ mortar operations. The IDF stated that measures, including aerial surveillance and precision-guided munitions, were taken to minimize civilian casualties during the operation.

The announcement of the airstrike comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to depart for Washington for a critical meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday. Discussions are expected to center on finalizing a proposed 60-day ceasefire agreement that includes the phased release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others, in exchange for the release of an unspecified number of Palestinian security prisoners.

The ceasefire deal also outlines mechanisms for humanitarian aid and a gradual redeployment of Israeli forces from Gaza. As part of the negotiations, Hamas is expected to provide information about remaining hostages, while Israel will disclose data on Palestinians detained or killed since October 7. The US, Egypt, and Qatar will act as guarantors of the agreement.

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Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit will mark his third meeting with President Trump since the US leader’s return to office in January. Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hasegawa, and other senior US officials.

Talks remain deadlocked, as Hamas continues to demand a permanent ceasefire, while Israel insists on a temporary truce that preserves its right to resume military operations if necessary. Netanyahu is also expected to discuss future strategies regarding Iran, potential normalization with Syria, and final details of a new US-Israel trade agreement during his Washington visit.

Since Hamas’ deadly October 7 attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, which killed at least 1,180 people and resulted in the abduction of 252 Israelis and foreigners, around 50 hostages remain, with approximately 30 believed dead.