The Israel Defense Forces announced it eliminated a terrorist who took part in the abduction of Col. Asaf Hamami, Staff Sgt. Tomer Ahimas, and Sgt. Kiril Brodski during the October 7, 2023, massacre. The terrorist's identity and the location of the operation were not disclosed. The elimination continues the IDF's ongoing campaign to track down all perpetrators of the October 7 attack.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Wednesday afternoon that it eliminated a terrorist who participated in the abduction of Col. Asaf Hamami, Staff Sgt. Tomer Ahimas, and Sgt. Kiril Brodski during the October 7, 2023, massacre. The announcement follows earlier reports from The Zioneer at 14:59 Jerusalem identifying the operative as Hassam Shafai, a member of Hamas's East Khan Younis Battalion, and detailing the strike's coordination by the Gaza Division's fire center.
The Zioneer first reported the elimination at 14:59 Jerusalem, citing IDF sources. Minutes later, the IDF officially confirmed the strike and named Shafai. Subsequent updates from the military clarified that the strike was directed by the Gaza Division's fire center using precise intelligence, and that Shafai had continued to advance attacks against Israeli forces throughout the war. The three soldiers were killed in battle at Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, and their bodies were taken into Gaza.
The elimination is part of the IDF's sustained campaign to target all perpetrators of the October 7 attack. As The Zioneer reported on June 23, 2026, the IDF and Shin Bet have killed 2,555 terrorists who participated in the massacre; that figure was updated to 2,561 as of July 11, 2026. The operation against Shafai underscores the military's continued efforts to track down every individual involved in the assault.
The IDF did not disclose the specific location of the strike or provide further details on Shafai's role in the abduction. It remains unclear whether any other operatives involved in the same incident remain at large.
7 developments
- DevelopingIDF eliminates Hamas operative who infiltrated Israel on October 7
- DevelopingIDF and Shin Bet eliminate another terrorist involved in Oct. 7 massacre and hostage-taking
- StrongIDF eliminates Hamas Oct. 7 infiltrator who was rebuilding terror capabilities in Gaza
- DevelopingIDF kills two Hamas operatives who carried out October 7 massacre in precision strikes
Source and signal
- Internal intake