IDF Kills Hamas Terrorist Who Held Israeli Hostages Including Romi Gonen

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Abd al-Rahim Abd al-Hadi Youssef Kardi, a senior Hamas operative and deputy squad leader in the terror group's military wing, during a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation in the Gaza Strip on Friday. Kardi also worked as a doctor at Shifa Hospital. He infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 massacre and was involved in holding Israeli hostage Romi Gonen in the Gaza Brigade area and at Shifa Hospital. Additionally, he held the body of the late soldier Noa Marziano after her killing in the Gaza City Brigade area until the IDF recovered her remains.

Throughout the conflict and especially recently, Kardi continued to orchestrate terrorist attacks against Israeli forces and civilians, posing a significant threat. The IDF eliminated him in an airstrike. Southern Command forces remain deployed in the area in accordance with existing agreements and will continue operations to neutralize threats to Israel.