Tel Aviv [Israel]: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the successful elimination of Hamas’ Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah, in a drone strike conducted in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza.
The IDF confirmed Sabah’s involvement in the October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, which was part of a broader Hamas assault that claimed over 1,200 lives and resulted in the kidnapping of over 250 hostages.
🔴Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 31, 2024
Abd al-Hadi Sabah—who operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis—was one of the leaders of the infiltration into… pic.twitter.com/KMC5HAXNfA
“Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion, was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike,” the IDF stated on X. They further emphasized his leadership role in the October 7 massacre and his involvement in numerous attacks against IDF forces during the ongoing conflict.
“Sabah operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis and was one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all terrorists involved in the attack,” the statement added.
The operation comes as part of broader IDF efforts, in collaboration with the Shin Bet (Israel’s General Security Service), to neutralize Hamas operatives. The IDF’s 162nd “Steel” Division has been active in Jabalia and Beit Lahia, targeting militants responsible for the October 7 attack.
Earlier, the IDF reported the elimination of 14 Hamas terrorists, six of whom were directly involved in the massacre.
The October 7 attack, which marked a turning point in the Israel-Hamas conflict, left over 1,200 Israelis dead and many more injured. Approximately 100 hostages remain in captivity, with fears of additional casualties.
Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza has led to over 45,000 Palestinian casualties, raising international concerns about the humanitarian crisis and calls for a ceasefire. The conflict has also expanded into a multi-front war, with Houthi rebels from Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensifying their attacks against Israel.