IDF and Shin Bet kill Hamas fighter linked to Omer Shem Tov release ceremony

The IDF and Shin Bet said on Monday that they killed Sabai Zahir Abd al-Hamid Abu Hasna, a Nukhba operative in Hamas’s military wing, in northern Gaza over the weekend. According to the statement, Abu Hasna took part in the October 7 massacre in Israel and was involved in holding hostage Omer Shem Tov during his captivity in Hamas custody.

The military said Abu Hasna also handled planting explosives throughout the war and recently tried to advance terror plots against IDF forces operating in the Strip. He had crossed into Israeli territory during the October 7 assault.

Abu Hasna was filmed during Shem Tov’s release ceremony receiving a kiss on the head from the freed hostage, a scene that stirred outrage in Israel after it was later understood that the gesture was made under coercion and in the presence of Hamas terrorists.

In a separate strike in northern Gaza, the IDF said three armed Hamas operatives were killed while trying to advance attacks against Israeli troops. The army said Southern Command forces continue operating in the area in line with the agreement and will keep removing any threat to troops and to Israeli civilians.