IDF, Shin Bet Kill Hamas Operatives Tied to Gaza Hostage Abductions

The IDF Spokesperson and the Shin Bet said Sunday evening that IDF and Shin Bet forces killed a Hamas terrorist cell that posed a threat to the forces in the center of the Strip. The strike killed an operative who took part in the abductions of Hersh Goldberg-Polin HY"D, Alon Ohel, Elia Cohen, and Or Levi. The four were kidnapped from the shelter in Re'im. In addition, other terrorists who had held Avinatan Or in Hamas captivity were also killed.

The strike was carried out yesterday by Gaza Division (143) forces under Southern Command together with the Shin Bet. The terrorists were killed as they approached the yellow line. According to the assessment, they planned to carry out terror activity against IDF forces operating in central Gaza in the immediate term.

After an intelligence review, it was determined that the strike killed Ali Sami Muhammad Shakra, a Hamas Nukhba platoon commander who infiltrated Israeli territory during the Oct. 7 massacre and took part in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin HY"D, Alon Ohel, Elia Cohen, and Or Levi from the shelter in Re'im.

Also killed in the strike were Muhammad Mabhouh, a regional company commander in Hamas’s al-Bureij Battalion, and Muhammad Fuad Gasser Sayd — both took part in holding Avinatan Or in Hamas captivity. In addition, other Nukhba operatives were killed, including operatives involved in launching rockets toward Israeli territory.