Israeli forces operating in the central Gaza Strip thwarted an imminent terror plot, eliminating an armed Hamas cell that had advanced toward the Yellow Line with plans to attack IDF troops, the military announced.
According to the IDF, troops under Southern Command, working in coordination with the ISA, carried out the strike after identifying the threat through intelligence assessments.
The military said that among those killed was Ali Sami Mohammad Shakra, identified as a Hamas Nukhba platoon commander who had infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre and participated in the abduction of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ohel, Eliya Cohen, and Or Levy from a bomb shelter in Re’im.
The strike also resulted in the deaths of Mohammad Mabhouh, a company commander in Hamas’ al-Bureij Battalion, and Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid. The IDF said both individuals were involved in holding Avinatan Or while he was in Hamas captivity.
In addition, the military released an image showing Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid, described as a Hamas platoon commander, together with Avinatan Or during his captivity inside a Hamas tunnel.
The IDF added that several other Hamas Nukhba operatives were killed in the strike, including individuals involved in launching rockets toward Israel.
