Hamas Rafah Commander Who Held Hostages Eliminated

The IDF and Shin Bet revealed that Nael Abu Abed, commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade who was eliminated this week in the Gaza Strip, was involved in the abduction and captivity of IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians for years, including during the current war. The disclosure represents a significant closing of the circle in the fight against the terror organization's operatives.

According to the information released, in 2014 Abu Abed served as deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade and participated in holding Lt. Hadar Goldin in Hamas captivity. During the current war, the terrorist continued to take part in holding multiple hostages, including Staff Sgt. Nimrod Cohen, who was held in an underground infrastructure in the Rafah area.

Abu Abed was appointed commander of the Rafah Brigade following the elimination of his predecessor, Muhammad Shabana, and also served as head of the terror organization's operations division. In his role, he was responsible for managing the brigade's terrorist activities and directing them to advance and execute terror plans against IDF forces and Israeli civilians. Additionally, he worked to rebuild the brigade's force structure, which suffered severe damage throughout the war.

The elimination was carried out in a targeted strike in the southern Gaza Strip. Sources in Gaza reported two killed and 14 wounded during the strike in the Khan Younis area. According to reports, two adjacent tents were struck near the gate of the al-Sumud camp west of Khan Younis, with the first explosion caused by a suicide drone followed by two missiles fired from aircraft at the location.

Abu Abed was considered the most powerful figure in Hamas Gaza and the one who commanded the organization following the elimination of Muhammad Sinwar and after the elimination of his predecessor in the position, Muhammad Shabana. Shabana was eliminated in June 2025 in a strike in Khan Younis, alongside the then-head of Hamas's military wing, Muhammad Sinwar.

In a joint statement from the IDF Spokesperson and Shin Bet Spokesperson, it was stated that "the elimination of the terrorist Abu Abed represents an important closing of the circle for the IDF and Shin Bet, who will continue to act forcefully against the terrorists who took part in the October 7 massacre."

About a year ago, in another circle-closing operation, it was revealed that Lt. Hadar Goldin's personal weapon was found on the body of the then-Rafah Brigade commander, Muhammad Shabana, after his elimination in May 2025 at the European Hospital in Khan Younis together with Muhammad Sinwar. The weapon was restored and transferred to the Goldin family, and is expected to be transferred to a museum in coordination with the family.