IDF kills Hamas Nukhba commander involved in October 7 hostage abductions

According to the IDF, the terrorist, Jihad Samih Mahmoud Ismail, had taken part in the killing of Capt. Omer Neutra, St.-Sgt. Oz Daniel, and Sgt. Shaked Dahan. Neutra and Daniel's remains were taken into Gaza, as was Sgt. Nimrod Cohen, who was alive.

Neutra immigrated to Israel from the United States and enlisted in a combat unit as a lone soldier.

“My Omer, after more than two years... finally, you are home – [in] the home that you chose, in the country that you chose to defend,” Ronen Neutra, his father, said during his burial.

Daniel, 19, was due to begin officer training shortly after October 7. He was a huge fan of music and playing his guitar.

In Daniel’s final moments, he attempted to steal a grenade from his captors, trying to fight against them, before being shot to death in the struggle.

Cohen was released by Hamas, alive, on October 13, 2025.

In February 2026, he announced his intention to complete his military service with the IDF.

By the time he was kidnapped, Cohen had done 10 months of the two years and eight months that Israeli men are required to serve. “I didn’t really do my service, the way I see it. I served for 10 months until I was kidnapped,” he said.

Abu Obeid was a key figure among Hamas leaders, according to a statement from the IDF, and previously served as the deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade and commander of the Tel al-Sultan and Yibna Battalions.