IDF and Shin Bet Eliminate Hamas Commanders Behind Inbar Haim Kidnapping and Terror Attacks

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet have killed several Hamas militants responsible for terror activities in the Gaza Strip, including the commander behind the kidnapping of Israeli civilian Inbar Haim. Over the past weekend, the IDF, guided by Shin Bet intelligence, targeted and killed Taher Ahmad Salem Abd Alwahid, the commander of the "Yabna" battalion in Hamas's Rafah Brigade, in central Gaza. Abd Alwahid led the October 7 attack on the Nova Party complex and orchestrated the abduction of Inbar Haim.

In a separate strike also in central Gaza, the IDF eliminated Salah Zibhi Salah Qatrawi, another Hamas operative who attempted to advance terror plans against Israeli forces near the humanitarian aid distribution area in southern Gaza. These militants exploited the humanitarian efforts in the region to further their attacks.

Additionally, the IDF and Shin Bet announced the killing of Wahid Abu Salam, a former commander of the western battalion in Khan Yunis. On October 7, Abu Salam infiltrated Israeli territory and participated in kidnapping Israeli civilians, holding them captive in southern Gaza.

Earlier this month, Arab media reported an IDF airstrike targeting Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, who was reportedly injured when his vehicle was attacked. Neither Hamas nor the IDF has officially confirmed these reports, and Qassem's condition remains unclear.

These operations reflect ongoing Israeli efforts to dismantle Hamas terror infrastructure amid the current conflict, focusing on militants directly involved in attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.