In a significant blow to Hamas, Israeli forces have eliminated Ahmed Fawzi Nasser Muhammad Wadiyya, the ruthless commander who orchestrated the horrific October 7 attack on moshav Netiv Ha'asara.
The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed Wadiyya's death in a precision airstrike near Gaza City's al-Ahli hospital.
Wadiyya, a high-ranking member of Hamas's notorious Nukhba force, led the savage invasion of Netiv Ha'asara, descending upon the peaceful community by paraglider. In a chilling display of cruelty, he was seen drinking coke in the Taasa family home, callously refreshing himself in front of children who had just witnessed their father, Gil Taasa, brutally murdered before their eyes.
The airstrike that took out Wadiyya also claimed the lives of seven other members of Hamas's Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, including one responsible for providing the explosives used to breach Israel's border defenses on that fateful day.
As Israel continues its relentless pursuit of justice for the October 7 atrocities, this strike is a powerful message to Hamas leadership. While the IDF emphasizes its efforts to minimize civilian casualties, the elimination of Wadiyya brings a measure of solace to the victims of Netiv Ha'asara, though the scars of that terrible day remain.
* Times of Israel contributed to this article.