IDF Kills Palestinian Islamic Jihad Commander Involved in October 7 Attacks and Hostage Holding

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that it killed Mahmoud Fatair, a commander in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's Nukhba unit, during an operation over the weekend in the Deir al-Balah area of the Gaza Strip. Fatair was involved in the October 7 attacks and played a role in holding Israeli hostage Rom Breslavski. He also participated in hostage transfer ceremonies involving multiple captives, including Amit Shani, Ofir Engel, Moran Stella Yanai, Itay Regev, Liam Or Nasser, Raz Ben Ami, Paibon Ratnin, Gong Sai Lao, Jakapan Sikna, and Charumchai Saigaikai.

The IDF stated that Fatair recently attempted to orchestrate terror attacks against Israeli forces and civilians, and his elimination was aimed at neutralizing this threat. This operation was part of the sixth phase of the "Sky Gates" campaign. The Southern Command forces remain deployed in the area according to existing agreements and will continue efforts to remove all threats.

The IDF spokesperson emphasized that Fatair's killing disrupts ongoing terror activities and hostage-related operations by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza.