IDF Confirms Killing Hamas Terrorists Who Kidnapped Nova Festival Hostages

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet announced the targeted killing of eight Hamas terrorists responsible for the abduction of Israeli civilians Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Mor from the October 7, 2023, Nova music festival attack. These terrorists were killed in strikes between March and August 2025 in the Gaza Strip, prior to a ceasefire earlier this month. Among those killed were Ahmad Ibrahim Rajab Shaar, Ahmad Abu Marhil, and Arafat Dib, who directly participated in the kidnappings, as well as others involved in the broader October 7 invasion, including Bakr Mujida and Firas Ghrir Sweilam al-Hadaf. The operation was led by a Shin Bet unit named “Nili,” created to eliminate terrorists involved in the massacre and kidnappings. The families of the hostages expressed gratitude toward the IDF and Shin Bet for eliminating the perpetrators, emphasizing the importance of continuing to target terrorists responsible for such attacks. This effort marks a significant step in Israel's response to the October 7 violence and hostage crisis, aiming to prevent future atrocities and prisoner exchanges involving these individuals.