Full Breakdown
Israeli Forces Kill Six Hamas and PIJ Operatives Linked to Oct 7 Hostages
6/23/2026, 12:25:21 AM
Targeted Strikes Eliminate Six Terror Operatives
On Saturday, the IDF and Shin Bet carried out precise airstrikes in Gaza that killed six senior militants linked to the Oct. 7 attack: Sabai Zaher Abd al-Hamid Abu Hasna (Hamas Nukhba operative who held Omer Shem Tov), Ahmed Samir Muhammad Washah (Hamas sniper and Al Jazeera photojournalist), Ahmad Munir Khalil Zaza (Hamas engineering officer), Hussein Safadi (Hamas sniper commander), Zaki Youssef Mahmoud Abu Mustafa (PIJ Nukhba commander involved in kidnapping Yagil Yaakov), and Mohammed Osama Abd al-Aziz Saba al-Eish (Hamas recruiter and trainer).
Context: October 7 Hostage Incidents
The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and PIJ militants into southern Israel resulted in civilian deaths and the abduction of hundreds. Among those taken were Omer Shem Tov, held for 16 months before his release in February 2025, and 12-year-old Yagil Yaakov, freed after 52 days in November 2023. Both former hostages later spoke publicly about their captivity.
Official Statements & Responses
The IDF called the strikes “precise” and said they eliminated operatives posing an immediate threat. A spokesperson said IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed under the ceasefire and will continue to remove such threats, and will keep operating while the ceasefire remains in effect. Aerial surveillance and precision munitions were used to limit civilian casualties.
Criticism & Opposition
Family members of Shem Tov said he was forced to kiss his captor during the televised handover, a scene Hamas used to claim humane treatment. Video analysis later suggested a cameraman directed the gesture, sparking criticism in Israel that the footage was staged.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Yagil Yaakov later recounted his captivity, saying he learned to endure hunger and that longing for home was overwhelming. Shem Tov, at a March 2025 event, joked his last stage was “on Hamas’ stage” and invited anyone wanting a forehead kiss to approach him.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The last time I was on a stage was in Gaza, on Hamas' stage. So if anyone wants a kiss on the forehead, come over.” — Omer Shem Tov, Former Hostage
- “In Gaza, I learned to get used to hunger, to understand that there was no food,” — Yagil Yaakov, Former Hostage
- “In recent months, Abu Mustafa played a significant role in rebuilding the terrorist organization’s military capabilities in the Gaza Strip, in violation of the ceasefire agreement,” — IDF spokesperson
- “IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat,” — IDF spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial reports described the kiss as voluntary, but later analysis indicated it was staged, leaving the footage’s authenticity in doubt.
