IDF Says It Eliminated Hamas Commander Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Behind October 7 Nir Oz Infiltration
IDF Says It Eliminated Hamas Commander Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Behind October 7 Nir Oz Infiltration Published By, Last Updated: August 02, 2026, 15:39 IST
IDF Says It Eliminated Hamas Commander Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Behind October 7 Nir Oz Infiltration Published By, Last Updated: August 02, 2026, 15:39 IST IDF claims to have killed two Hamas commanders, Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad and Muhammad Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib. Abu Labad was a Nukhba commander involved in the Oct A woman stands near tents sheltering displaced Palestinians, following an overnight Israeli strike on a medicine warehouse (Credits: Reuters) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday claimed to have killed two Hamas commanders in separate operations in the Gaza Strip, including a Nukhba cell commander it said participated in the October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. In a statement posted on X, the Israeli military identified the first commander as Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad, alleging that he infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
The IDF described Abu Labad as a commander in Hamas’ elite Nukhba force, which Israel says spearheaded the cross-border attacks. The military also announced the killing of Muhammad Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib, whom it identified as a commander in Hamas’ Maghazi Battalion. According to the IDF, Khatib operated under Hamas’ military wing and was involved in planning and attempting attacks against Israeli forces operating in Gaza. “ELIMINATED: Salem Jamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad, a Hamas Nukhba cell commander who infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 Massacre. Additionally, Muhammad Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib, a commander in Hamas’ Maghazi Battalion, was eliminated. The terrorists operated under Hamas’ military wing and attempted to advance terror attacks against IDF troops," said IDF in an official statement.
It did not disclose when or where the two commanders were killed or provide further details about the operations. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel left around 1,200 people dead and more than 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities, triggering the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel has since carried out extensive military operations across the enclave, saying its objective is to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and secure the release of the remaining hostages. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom.
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