IDF Eliminates Hamas Operatives Involved in October 7 Hostage-Taking
Israeli forces have killed several Hamas members linked to the October 7, 2023, hostage incidents, including key figures involved in the abduction of Israeli citizens.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), have eliminated several Hamas operatives involved in the October 7, 2023, hostage-taking incidents. The operation targeted an armed Hamas cell in central Gaza that was planning an imminent attack on Israeli troops.
Among those killed was Ali Sami Mohammad Shakra, a commander in Hamas's Nukhba unit. Shakra participated in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ohel, Eliya Cohen, and Or Levy from a roadside shelter near Kibbutz Re’im. Goldberg-Polin was executed by his captors, while Ohel, Cohen, and Levy were released at different times.
Also killed were Mohammad Mabhouh, a company commander in Hamas’s al-Bureij battalion, and Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid. Both were involved in holding Israeli hostage Avinatan Or, who was released on October 13, 2025, after 738 days in captivity. The IDF released an image showing Sayyid inside a Hamas tunnel guarding the hostage.
The IDF reported that additional Hamas Nukhba terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire, including members responsible for launching rockets toward Israeli territory.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the strategic importance of the Yellow Line in Gaza, stating, "We will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself. We have operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip, and we will remain on those defense lines."
Since the ceasefire in October last year, both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violations. Israel maintains that it will not permit Hamas to retain weapons in any future agreement aimed at ending hostilities.
Hamas recently claimed that discussing disarmament before fully implementing the first phase of the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal is an attempt to continue "a genocide against the Palestinian people." This issue remains a significant obstacle in talks to implement U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed "Board of Peace" plan for Gaza.