Full Breakdown
Israeli Airstrikes Eliminate Two Terrorists Tied to Hostage Abductions
7/31/2026, 8:06:12 PM
Core Event: Targeted Strikes Kill Kafina and Khirdi
Israeli security forces carried out separate aerial strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday that killed Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Kafina, a commander in the Gaza-based Mujahideen Brigades, and Abdelrahim Abdelhai Yusuf Khirdi, a deputy commander in Hamas’s military wing. The IDF said Kafina had taken part in the October 7, 2023 assault that led to the kidnapping of Israeli civilians, while Khirdi was involved in holding hostages Romi Gonen and Sgt. Noa Marciano and in retaining Marciano’s body after her murder.
Background & Context: October 7 Assault and Hostage Crisis
On October 7, 2023, coordinated attacks by Hamas and affiliated groups entered Israel, resulting in the abduction of dozens of civilians, including Avinatan Or, Noa Argamani, and Sudthisak Rinthalak. The Mujahideen Brigades, distinct from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, participated in the invasion. Throughout the ensuing war, both Kafina and Khirdi were described by Israeli intelligence as continuing to plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Kafina – commander, Mujahideen Brigades; linked to the October 7 kidnappings of Avinatan Or, Noa Argamani, and Sudthisak Rinthalak.
- Abdelrahim Abdelhai Yusuf Khirdi – deputy commander, Hamas’s military wing; participated in the detention of Romi Gonen and Sgt. Noa Marciano, and reportedly served as a doctor at Shifa Hospital.
Official Statements & Responses
Regarding Khirdi, the IDF and Shin Bet noted his role in handling the bodies of Gonen and Marciano and his ongoing involvement in terrorist activity, describing him as a “threat to Israeli forces” that justified the aerial strike. Gaza-based sources told Reuters of an additional strike after the announcement of a U.S. agreement on Hamas disarmament, wounding several Palestinians; the IDF has not confirmed that report.
