IDF eliminates Hamas terrorist involved in October 7 massacre and hostage release ceremonies

The IDF and Shin Bet announced today (Tuesday) that they had killed Hamza Wael Muhammad Asafah, a Nukhba terrorist operative who took part in the October 7 massacre as well as the February hostage release ceremony for Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy.

According to the military, Asafah, a member of Hamas's Deir el-Balah Battalion, was killed in an airstrike in the central Gaza Strip approximately two weeks ago.

The IDF emphasized that the strike was carefully executed to minimize civilian harm. Aerial surveillance and additional intelligence were employed prior to the operation to confirm the target and avoid collateral damage.

"The Hamas terrorist organization systematically violates international law, using civilians as human shields for its terrorist operations," the IDF said in a statement. "The IDF and the Shin Bet will continue to act against the Hamas terror organization to protect the State of Israel and its citizens."