IDF Kills Hamas Terrorist Involved in Kidnapping of Israeli Officers on October 7

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Hassam Shaafi, a Hamas terrorist from the East Khan Younis Battalion, who participated in the October 7 massacre. Shaafi was involved in the attack on Kibbutz Nirim and the kidnapping of Colonel Asaf Hamami, Staff Sergeant Tomer Achimas, and Corporal Kiril Brodsky, all of whom died in the battle. The operation was carried out on Tuesday, enabled by precise intelligence and fire coordination from the Gaza Division command center.

Colonel Hamami served as the commander of the Southern Brigade, with Achimas and Brodsky as fighters in his command post. The IDF stated that Shaafi had been advancing terror plans and posed a threat to Israeli forces operating in the Gaza Strip, especially during the recent war period. Southern Command forces continue to prepare in the area according to agreements and work to eliminate immediate threats to troops and Israeli civilians.

Alongside the announcement, the IDF released intercepted communications of Colonel Hamami during the fighting, showing his calm leadership as he directed his forces to prevent further raids on Israeli communities. Hamami, who began his military career in the Givati Brigade and held significant command roles, was killed in action alongside Achimas and Brodsky. Their bodies were initially kidnapped to Gaza, with Hamami’s remains returned to Israel on November 2, 2025.