The IDF on Tuesday killed a Hamas terrorist responsible for taking the remains of three IDF soldiers hostage into the Gaza Strip during the October 7 massacre, the military confirmed on Wednesday.

The terrorist was identified as Hussam al-Shafie, who infiltrated Kibbutz Nirim and abducted the remains of Col. Asaf Hamami, St.-Sgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas, and Sgt. Kiril Brodski’s remains, taking them into Gaza.

Shafie was a member of the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades’ Eastern Khan Yunis Battalion.

The strike on the terrorist was conducted following intelligence gathering and at the direction of the 143rd Gaza Division.

Col. Asaf Hamami, then-commander of Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade, who fell on October 7.
Col. Asaf Hamami, then-commander of Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade, who fell on October 7. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Hamami was most senior IDF officer kidnapped during October 7 massacre

The three soldiers all fell in battle defending the kibbutz from the massacre. Hamami was the head of the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade. Ahimas and Drodski were soldiers serving under his command.

Hamami was one of the most senior officers killed during the massacre and was the highest-ranking officer whose remains were abducted by terrorists.