IDF and ISA Eliminate Eight Terrorists Involved in October 7 Massacre and Nova Festival Kidnappings

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) have announced the successful elimination of eight Hamas operatives directly involved in the October 7, 2023 massacre and the abductions from the Nova Music Festival, one of the most haunting chapters of the conflict.

According to the joint statement, the targeted operation led to the deaths of Ahmad Sha’er and Ahmad Abu Marhil, who were responsible for the kidnapping of Israeli hostages Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or. Both were identified as key figures in the planning and execution of the mass abductions that shocked the international community.

The IDF also confirmed the killing of Arafat Dib, who abducted Eitan Mor, and Odeh Qaware’a, who held Israeli hostages during Hamas captivity. Intelligence sources described these individuals as central players in Hamas’s operational command structure during the attack.

In addition to these top operatives, four other terrorists who infiltrated Israel on October 7 were also neutralized: Bakr Mujida, Firas al-Hadaf, Ibrahim Bakhit, and Muaid Nofal. Their elimination marks another phase in Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle Hamas’s leadership network responsible for the unprecedented assault that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds kidnapped.

The operation is part of a broader counterterrorism effort by Israeli forces aimed at bringing to justice those who planned, executed, or facilitated the October 7 massacre. The attack, which began with a large-scale Hamas infiltration from Gaza, targeted civilians attending the Nova Festival near Re’im, turning a music celebration into one of the darkest days in Israel’s history.

Israeli security agencies emphasized that their mission remains clear: to pursue and neutralize every individual involved in the atrocities of that day, regardless of where they hide. “The IDF and ISA will continue to act wherever necessary to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens and to hold those responsible for the October 7 crimes accountable,” the statement said.

The announcement has been widely covered by Israeli media and comes as the nation continues efforts to locate and secure the release of the remaining hostages still held in Gaza.

Public sentiment in Israel reflects both relief and sorrow—relief that justice is being served, yet sorrow that the events of October 7 remain a deep national wound. Families of the abducted continue to urge the government to maintain pressure on Hamas while prioritizing the safe return of the hostages who remain in captivity.