In a significant announcement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency confirmed on Thursday the deaths of Hamas terrorists involved in the infamous October 7, 2023, kidnappings. Among those killed were the abductors of Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Mor from the Nova music festival. This news comes less than two weeks after Or and Mor’s release from captivity and two months after Argamani’s dramatic rescue.
Who Were the Targeted Terrorists?
The military confirmed the deaths of eight specific Palestinian terrorists who participated in the deadly invasion. These individuals were not just foot soldiers; they had direct roles in the abductions and murders of Israelis. The list includes:
- Ahmad Ibrahim Rajab Shaar: The man responsible for abducting Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or. He was killed in a strike on August 22.
- Ahmad Abu Marhil: Also responsible for Or’s abduction, killed on March 26.
- Arafat Dib: Responsible for abducting and holding Eitan Mor captive. He was killed on May 30.
All were eliminated in targeted strikes between March and August of this year, following an extensive intelligence review.
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What Was the Secret Unit Behind This Operation?
So, who tracked down these attackers? The operation was led by a special Shin Bet unit named “Nili.” This unit, whose name is a historic Hebrew acronym meaning “The eternity of Israel will not lie,” was formed right after the October 7 attack. It is composed of experienced intelligence personnel from the IDF and Shin Bet. Officials stated that the Nili unit has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of October 7 terrorists, including top Hamas commanders.
🔴The IDF eliminated the terrorists responsible for the abduction of Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Mor from the Nova music festival.
It can now be revealed that eight terrorists who infiltrated Israeli territory and took part in the brutal October 7th Massacre, among them… pic.twitter.com/5DRAr3ATdL
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 23, 2025
What Was the Scale of the October 7 Attack?
The confirmation of these deaths is part of Israel’s broader response to one of the deadliest days in its history. On October 7, an estimated 5,600 Hamas terrorists breached the border. They massacred approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages into the Gaza Strip. During the attack itself, Israeli forces killed over 1,600 terrorists and captured 149. The remainder who fled back to Gaza became targets for subsequent military operations throughout the war.
