Major Blow to Hamas
Justice Served: IDF Eliminates ‘Brutal Murderer’ Hamas Commander Linked to October 7 Attack
The IDF and ISA eliminated Wael Mutrieh, a Hamas Nukhba platoon commander directly involved in the October 7th attack on the Nahal Oz Outpost, confirming a major operational success as three divisions focus pressure on Gaza City. The IDF Spokesman provided an update on the war’s progress, emphasizing the goal of dismantling Hamas’ regime and bringing the 48 remaining hostages home.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) have successfully eliminated Wael Mutrieh, a Nukhba platoon commander in Hamas' Shati Battalion, dealing a significant blow to the organization’s leadership in Gaza City. Mutrieh was described by the military as a "brutal murderer" who played a direct role in the devastating October 7th infiltration and attack on the Nahal Oz Outpost bomb shelter.
IDF Spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin provided the update during a briefing on the intensifying ground operations in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that forces under the Southern Command are focusing pressure on Gaza City. Defrin stressed that the military is advancing according to a structured and systematic plan aimed at achieving the war's primary objectives: dismantling Hamas' regime and securing the return of the hostages.
The elimination of Mutrieh was a key operational success. In addition to his participation in the October 7th massacre, the commander was responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks against Israeli troops throughout the current operation. His elimination occurred in the Shati area of Gaza City.
Defrin outlined the massive scope of the operation, confirming that five IDF divisions are currently engaged in Gaza, with three concentrated on operations within Gaza City. As part of these efforts, troops from the 401st Brigade Combat Team recently conducted a raid on a Hamas compound, where they uncovered significant caches of weapons and an extensive network of underground passages.
The spokesperson highlighted that the second phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots has seen the IDF strike more than 2,000 terror targets across Gaza. Air support remains vital, with the Israeli Air Force providing continuous coverage through approximately 200 strikes per day. The Chief of the General Staff recently visited the forces in Gaza to reinforce that the ground operations are being conducted with the full range of the IDF's capabilities.
During his remarks, Defrin paused to honor two soldiers who had recently fallen in combat: Major Shahar Netanal Bozaglo, a company commander, and Staff Sergeant Chalachew Shimon Demalash. He extended the IDF’s condolences to the bereaved families, affirming the army’s solidarity.
Addressing other critical theaters, Defrin confirmed that dozens of aircraft executed strikes against military targets in Sana'a, Yemen, targeting the Houthi General Staff headquarters and intelligence facilities. This retaliatory action followed a UAV attack on Eilat the previous day, which wounded civilians. While assuring the public that Eilat remains safe, he cautioned that “no defense is absolute” and urged continued adherence to Home Front Command instructions. He noted that over 98% of UAVs launched from Yemen towards Israel have been intercepted since the start of the war.
Finally, Defrin touched upon the ongoing hostage crisis, noting that 48 captives remain in Hamas tunnels. He reiterated the IDF’s unwavering commitment to their rescue, stating: “The hostages are always at the forefront of our thoughts and at the heart of every operation we conduct.”