Hamas Northern Gaza Brigade Commander Who Oversaw 15 Israeli Hostages Killed

The IDF Spokesperson said today (Friday) that following an extensive intelligence investigation, Izz al-Din Bikh, the Hamas military wing's Northern Gaza Brigade commander who was killed in Gaza this week, had overseen the detention of Israeli hostages during the war.

Before being appointed commander of the Northern Brigade during the Swords of Iron war, al-Din Bikh held several positions, including commander of the Western Jabalia Battalion and commander of the Northern Brigade's military intelligence headquarters.

In these roles, he advanced and financed numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and was among the founders of the Nukhba force in northern Gaza. In addition, the terrorist commanded and took part in the raid into Israeli territory on the morning of October 7.

Throughout the war, by virtue of his responsibility for the northern Gaza area, Izz al-Din Bikh oversaw the captivity of numerous hostages held by Hamas, including Mia Schem, Hisham al-Sayed, Amit Buskila, of blessed memory, Uriel Baruch, of blessed memory, Cpl. Nick Beizer, of blessed memory, Sgt. Ron Sherman, of blessed memory, Eliya Toledano, of blessed memory, Shani Louk, of blessed memory, Michel Nisenbaum, of blessed memory, Staff Sgt. Tamir Nimrodi, of blessed memory; Yitzhak Gelerenter, of blessed memory; Eitan Levy, of blessed memory; Hanan Yablonka, of blessed memory; Ron Benjamin, of blessed memory; and Orion Hernandez, of blessed memory.

The IDF emphasized that "the elimination of the terrorist Izz al-Din Bikh marks an important closing of the circle for the IDF and the Shin Bet, which will continue to act forcefully against the terrorists who took part in the October 7 massacre."