IDF: Hamas commander who invaded Nir Oz on Oct. 7 targeted in Gaza strike

A commander in Hamas’s elite Nukhba Force who participated in the October 7, 2023, onslaught was targeted in an Israeli airstrike today, the IDF announces.

The IDF says the strike in the Mawasi area of southern Gaza came as a response to an overnight attack on troops in the Strip’s north, during which a reservist officer was seriously wounded by Palestinian gunmen.

The strike targeted Bilal Abu Assi, whom the military identifies as a platoon commander in the Nukhba Force, Hamas’s elite unit that spearheaded the October 7 invasion. The military says Abu Assi led the invasion of Kibbutz Nir Oz during the onslaught, during which dozens of civilians were murdered and abducted.

Abu Assi was also likely involved in holding bodies of hostages in Gaza during the war, as well as advancing attacks on troops, the IDF says. It says it is aware of reports that the strike also caused civilian casualties, including a Red Crescent medic who was killed.

“Prior to and during the strike, steps were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians as much as possible, including the use of surveillance and precise munitions. The IDF regrets any harm caused to uninvolved civilians,” the army says.