A Hamas terrorist who held numerous hostages in captivity in the Strip during the war was killed in an Israeli strike in central Gaza this week, the IDF announces.
The Wednesday strike in Nuseirat killed Sobhi Sami Mahmoud Shahtot, identified by the military as a platoon commander in Hamas’s military wing.
The IDF says Shahtot invaded Israel during the October 7, 2023, onslaught and “took part in holding numerous hostages in Hamas captivity during the war. ”
Shahtot was also seen taking part in Hamas’s hostage handover ceremonies in November 2023, according to the military.
The IDF justifies the strike amid the ceasefire by saying that the terrorist had been advancing attacks on troops and Israeli civilians. He was “eliminated to remove the threat,” the army says.
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Friday, August 21, 2026
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