Tel Aviv: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims to have eliminated two Hamas commanders in separate operations in the Gaza Strip, including one from the Nukhba cell who allegedly participated in the October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The Israeli military identified the first commander as Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad, alleging that he infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
The IDF described Abu Labad as a commander in Hamas’ elite Nukhba force in the X post. Israel claims that it spearheaded the cross-border attacks as reported by News18.
The Israelis also announced the killing of Muhammad Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib, who has been identified as a commander in Hamas’ Maghazi Battalion.
Khatib operated under Hamas’ military wing and was involved in planning and attempting attacks against Israeli forces operating in Gaza, the IDF claimed.
“ELIMINATED: Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad, a Hamas Nukhba cell commander who infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 Massacre. Additionally, Muhammad Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib, a commander in Hamas’ Maghazi Battalion, was eliminated. The terrorists operated under Hamas’ military wing and attempted to advance terror attacks against IDF troops,” the IDF said in an official statement.
No further details about the operations were provided. It is not known when and where the two were killed.
The Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, left around 1,200 people dead. More than 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities, triggering the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel has since carried out extensive military operations across the enclave, saying its objective is to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and secure the release of the remaining hostages.