IDF Says Nukhba Commander Linked to Oct. 7 Abductions Killed in Khan Yunis Strike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that Jihad Samih Mahmoud Ismail, whom the military identified as a squad commander in Hamas' elite Nukhba unit, was killed in an airstrike last Thursday in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza.

Background and Oct. 7 Allegations

According to reports citing the military and Israeli outlets, Ismail is accused of infiltrating into Israel from southern Gaza during the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and taking part in the firefight around the crew of Tank No. 3 near Nirim. That crew included Capt. Omer Neutra, Sgt. Shaked Dahan, Sgt. Nimrod Cohen and Sgt. Oz Daniel. The IDF has said Ismail participated in the abduction of Neutra, Cohen and Daniel; Dahan was killed during the clash.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the remains of Neutra and Daniel were taken to Gaza after the attack. Sgt. Nimrod Cohen was reportedly captured alive and later released by Hamas in October 2025. Neutra and Daniel’s remains were returned to Israel and buried in November 2025 as part of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered Gaza agreement.

Military Statement on the Strike

The IDF said Ismail had been involved in ambushes and other attacks against Israeli forces during the broader conflict and that he had recently been tied to planning or advancing attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians — conduct the military described as a violation of the ceasefire. The military said the strike was intended to remove the threat Ismail posed to Israeli forces and civilians.

Media reports quoting military statements said the strike used precision munitions and aerial surveillance in an effort to reduce the risk to nearby civilians. The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel and Israel National News are among the outlets that reported on the military announcement.

Note: Details in this article are based on Israeli military statements and reporting by Israeli media outlets.