IDF Kills Terrorist Behind Kidnapping and Murder of Inbar Hyman at Nova Festival

Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated Taher Ahmad Salem Abd Alwahad, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist who led the attack at the Nova Festival and was responsible for the kidnapping of Inbar Hyman, who was murdered on October 7 and whose body was taken to Gaza. In a separate operation guided by the Shin Bet in central Gaza, the IDF also killed Saleh Sabhi Saleh Qatrawi, another Islamic Jihad operative who attempted to orchestrate terror attacks against IDF forces near a humanitarian aid distribution center in southern Gaza during the ongoing conflict.

The IDF spokesperson stated that these terrorists endangered Gaza civilians by cynically exploiting humanitarian efforts. Both militants had recently tried to advance immediate terror plans. Inbar Hyman's aunt, Hana Cohen, expressed deep sorrow but acknowledged a measure of justice with the killing of one of the perpetrators. She emphasized the ongoing pain caused by Inbar's murder and called for the elimination of all involved terrorists rather than imprisoning them.

Inbar Hyman, 27, was abducted during the October 7 massacre at the Nova Festival, where she had volunteered as a paramedic. She was held captive by Hamas for over two years before her family received confirmation of her death on December 16, 2023. Throughout her military service in the Karkal Battalion, her family had been vigilant about her safety, but she was ultimately kidnapped and killed on Israeli sovereign soil while serving as a civilian volunteer.

The IDF continues its operations to dismantle terror networks responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in the Gaza conflict.