IDF and Shin Bet Kill Terrorist Behind October 7 Attack Holding Israeli Hostages

Nearly three years after the outbreak of war, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet announced the killing of terrorist Talal Jaber Mohammad Abd Al-Al, a senior Islamic Jihad operative, in southern Gaza. Abd Al-Al commanded the cell that infiltrated Israel on October 7 and was involved in holding Israeli hostages throughout the conflict. The military and security agencies emphasized his key role in the abductions and ongoing terror activities in the Gaza Strip.

Former captive and IDF soldier Rom Breslavski, who was held by Islamic Jihad for 738 days, responded emotionally to the announcement. In a Facebook post, Breslavski described Abd Al-Al, also known as Abu Youssef, as the brutal commander who tortured him during captivity. Breslavski recounted how Abd Al-Al physically abused him and forced him to endure severe mistreatment. He expressed a sense of personal victory and gratitude to the IDF, Shin Bet, and security forces for avenging his suffering.

Breslavski’s mother, Tami Breslavski, shared that during his captivity, her son was held alone in various locations and only moved to tunnels shortly before his release in October 2025. She revealed that the captors pressured him to convert to Islam, which he refused, and that he endured harsh abuse. Despite the trauma, she noted that Breslavski finds solace looking up at the sky.

Rom Breslavski was kidnapped from a Nova party where he worked as a security guard and was freed in a prisoner exchange deal in October 2025. The killing of Abd Al-Al marks a significant step in Israel’s ongoing efforts to close the circle on terrorists responsible for the October 7 attacks and hostage crisis.