IDF Kills Hamas Terrorist Involved in Kidnapping of Colonel Asaf Hamami

The Israeli Defense Forces eliminated Hassam Shaafi, a Hamas terrorist from the Khan Yunis eastern battalion, who participated in the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir and the kidnapping of Colonel Asaf Hamami and two other soldiers. Shaafi’s death in southern Gaza this week brought renewed attention to the fierce battle at Nir and the prolonged efforts to recover the captives.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Yehonatan Lazar, who served under Hamami as commander of the southern brigade in the Gaza Division, recounted the chaotic hours during the attack. Hamami quickly understood the scale of the assault, immediately securing civilians in shelters and personally engaging the attackers to prevent their advance into Nir. Lazar praised Hamami’s leadership and combat actions, noting the southern brigade fared better than the northern brigade in terms of casualties and kidnappings.

Despite extensive searches during the ground operation in Gaza, Hamami’s fate remained uncertain for months. Lazar described finding Hamami’s vest and communication devices in a Gaza home in late 2024. The bodies of the other two kidnapped soldiers were recovered and returned to Israel in July 2024, but Hamami’s body was only returned for burial in November 2025. Lazar reflected on the emotional impact of finally receiving Hamami’s remains and the lessons learned from the attack, emphasizing the need for unity in Israeli society to prevent further exploitation by enemies.

Lazar also highlighted the IDF’s recognition of the failure to anticipate such a large-scale infiltration, noting that previous drills had only prepared for smaller attacks. He expressed confidence that such an event would not recur in the near future due to the deep impact of the October 7 assault on military preparedness and Israeli society.