Israel said on Monday it had killed a senior Hamas commander in Gaza. Officials described the man as a brigade chief operating in the northern part of the territory.

The Israeli military said the strike was based on intelligence. It did not name the commander in its initial statement.

Hamas has not confirmed the death. The group rarely comments quickly on the loss of senior figures.

The strike comes amid continued fighting in Gaza despite international calls for a ceasefire. Aid agencies warn the humanitarian situation keeps getting worse.

Diplomats say targeted killings of commanders are part of Israel’s strategy to weaken Hamas leadership. Mediators continue to push for a deal to end the war. The Gaza war has now continued for many months with heavy casualties on both sides. Aid agencies say a lasting ceasefire is the only way to ease the crisis. The Israeli military said more details about the operation will follow.