Israeli forces kill Hamas Rafah brigade commander linked to multiple hostages
The IDF and Shin Bet said Nael Abu Obeid, a senior Hamas commander in Rafah, was killed this week and had overseen the detention of several Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Israeli military and security services announced that Nael Abu Obeid, the commander of Hamas’ Rafah Brigade, was killed in a recent operation in the Gaza Strip. A prolonged intelligence probe linked him to the abduction and holding of Israeli soldiers and civilians over many years, including the 2014 captivity of Lt. Hadar Goldin. The investigation also showed his involvement in one outlet war, where he oversaw hostages like Sgt. First Class Nimrod Cohen, who was kept in subterranean facilities around Rafah.
Officials called his death an "important closure" to those hostage cases. They emphasized that the campaign against those responsible for the Oct. 7 massacre will continue. The revelation underscores the ongoing focus on dismantling Hamas’ command structure and freeing remaining captives.
