IDF Eliminates Nukhba Terrorist Behind Deadly Tank Attack

The IDF and Shin Bet announced Wednesday that they had eliminated Musa Abd Mahmoud Hamouda, a member of Hamas' elite Nukhba force who was involved in planning an explosive device attack that killed four Israeli tank crew members from Battalion 52 on September 8, 2025. The airstrike was carried out Sunday in the Gaza City area.

The four fallen soldiers were Lieutenant Matan Abramovich, Sergeant Amit Arieh Regev, Staff Sergeant Uri Lamed, and Sergeant Gadi Kotel, may Hashem avenge their blood. They were serving under Division 162 during Operation Gideon's Chariots. The IDF described the elimination of one of those responsible for planning the attack as a significant moment of closure for the division.

According to the joint IDF and Shin Bet statement, the strike was carried out by Fire Brigade 215, which operates under Division 162. The same division in which the four soldiers served was therefore directly involved in the operation targeting one of those responsible for their deaths.

Defense officials said Hamouda had carried out terrorist activities against IDF forces in Gaza throughout the war. More recently, he had reportedly been planning additional attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians while working to rebuild Hamas' military capabilities.

The statement also said Hamouda had continued his activities in violation of the ceasefire agreement. The decision to target him in an airstrike was made to eliminate the threat he posed.

The IDF emphasized that Southern Command forces remain deployed in the Gaza Strip in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and that Israeli security forces will continue to act against threats to IDF personnel and Israeli civilians.