IDF says Hamas commander linked to Israeli hostages killed in Gaza airstrike

The Israeli military says it has killed a senior Hamas operative who allegedly participated in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and was involved in holding Israeli hostages captive in the Gaza Strip.

In a joint statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency, the military identified the slain commander as Abd al-Rahim Abd al-Hay Youssef Kardi, deputy commander of a Hamas cell.

According to the statement, Kardi was killed in an airstrike carried out on Thursday in Gaza City.

The IDF alleged that Kardi took part in the October 7 assault and later helped detain Israeli hostage Romi Gonen at several locations in Gaza City, including Shifa Hospital, where he reportedly worked as a doctor.

The military also accused Kardi of being involved in the detention of the body of Corporal Noa Marciano, an Israeli surveillance soldier who was killed while in Hamas captivity. Her remains were later recovered by Israeli forces.

Romi Gonen was released after spending 471 days in captivity as part of a hostage release arrangement.

Israeli authorities said the latest strike was carried out after intelligence indicated that Kardi had recently been planning attacks targeting Israeli troops and civilians.

“The terrorist posed a threat to our forces and civilians and was eliminated in a precision aerial operation,” the military said.

Hamas has not immediately commented on the Israeli claims. Independent verification of the allegations was not immediately available.