Hamas Commander Involved in Gilad Shalit Abduction Killed in Gaza

Nael Abu Abid, the Hamas commander of the Rafah Brigade, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza, played a role in the 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and his subsequent concealment, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. Three Hamas sources told the paper that Abu Abid was a senior figure in the organization's military wing and had succeeded Muhammad Shehadeh as commander after Shehadeh was killed in May 2025.

Abu Abid was also involved in securing some Israeli hostages during the recent conflict and oversaw their handover in deals, the sources said. He had previously commanded an attempted tunnel infiltration near Rafah in 2014 during Operation Protective Edge, aiming to abduct IDF soldiers.

The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating Abu Abid was responsible for directing the brigade's operatives and planning terror attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. They added he was working to rebuild the brigade's strength after significant losses during the war.

According to the report, Abu Abid was alone in a tent in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis when it was struck by two missiles, killing him instantly. The IDF had announced the strike on a senior Hamas official, later identifying him as Abu Abid.