IDF confirms elimination of Hamas commander Abd Al-Hadi Sabah in targeted drone strike following October 7 massacre

World News: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday the elimination of Abd al-Hadi Sabah, the commander of Hamas' Nukhba Platoon, in a targeted drone strike. This operation took place in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza. The IDF stated that Sabah was responsible for orchestrating the brutal attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz during the massacre on October 7, 2023. "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 shared on X.

Significance of the Strike

The IDF emphasized that Sabah had been a key figure in the October 7 massacre, leading infiltration efforts into Kibbutz Nir Oz. He was also implicated in numerous attacks against IDF forces throughout the ongoing conflict. The IDF reiterated its commitment to targeting all individuals involved in the October 7 atrocities, stating, "The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all of the terrorists who took part in the murderous October 7 Massacre.

"Earlier on the same day, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed the death of Anas Muhammad Saadi Masri, who commanded the northern sector of the rocket unit for Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Masri was noted as a significant player responsible for executing various terrorist operations aimed at Israeli civilians and IDF personnel.

Ongoing Military Operations

Since October 7, Masri had been actively involved in directing rocket fire from northern Gaza towards Israeli border communities. He oversaw operatives responsible for launching rockets into Israeli territory. The IDF reported that their units, alongside Shin Bet, had previously eliminated 14 Hamas terrorists, six of whom were directly involved in the October 7 massacre.

These operations are part of the IDF's ongoing campaign within Gaza's 162nd "Steel" Division.The division has focused its efforts on areas such as Jabalia and Beit Lahia to locate and neutralize those responsible for the October 7 attack. This assault by Hamas resulted in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities and more than 250 hostages taken. Currently, around 100 hostages remain unaccounted for, with many feared dead.

Humanitarian Concerns Amid Conflict

In retaliation to these attacks, Israel launched extensive military operations against Hamas units in Gaza. However, these actions have led to a staggering civilian toll, with over 45,000 Palestinian casualties reported. This rising number has sparked global concern and intensified calls for a ceasefire.

The conflict has escalated further as Houthi rebels from Yemen and Hezbollah from Lebanon—both considered proxies of Iran—have increased their offensives against Israel, forcing Tel Aviv into a multi-front war.