The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet announced they killed Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr, a terrorist affiliated with global jihadist groups in Gaza who was documented abducting Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or from the Nova music festival on October 7. The military stated the operation was conducted alongside Lahav 433’s Gideonim Unit 33 over the weekend.
The Killing of Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr
Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr was identified through documentation showing him abducting Argamani and Or on the back of a motorcycle during the October 7 massacre. According to a joint statement by the IDF and Shin Bet, Sakr not only participated in the festival kidnappings but also supplied Hamas with weapons throughout the war. The military added that he actively advanced attacks against Israeli troops and civilians before being killed by the combined forces of the IDF, Shin Bet, and Lahav 433’s Gideonim Unit 33.
Hostage Rescues and Releases Connected to the Case
Noa Argamani was rescued from Gaza on June 8, 2024, during Operation Arnon. She was freed alongside three other hostages: Andrey Kozlov, Almog Meir Jan, and Shlomi Ziv. Avinatan Or, who was taken alongside Argamani on the motorcycle, was subsequently released in October 2025 under a Gaza deal brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Elimination of Hamas Commander Muhammad Hamad Muhammad Gabain
Later on Sunday, the IDF and Shin Bet announced the death of Muhammad Hamad Muhammad Gabain, a commander in Hamas’ military wing. Gabain was killed in strikes in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The military reported that he played a direct role in the captivity of nine specific individuals kidnapped during the October 7 attacks: Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Eitan Mor, Liri Albag, Agam Berger, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Keith Siegel, and Alon Ohel.
Prior Operations Targeting October 7 Kidnappers
Israeli security forces previously targeted individuals linked to these abductions during air strikes. In July, the military killed Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Kafina, a commander in the Mujahideen Brigades who led a group of terrorists during the October 7 invasion. According to the IDF, Kafina participated in the kidnapping of Argamani and Or, and directed others involved in the abduction of Sudthisak Rinthalak.
Quick Fact Check: Operations Against October 7 Perpetrators
Units involved in recent operations include the IDF, Shin Bet, and Lahav 433’s Gideonim Unit 33. Operations spanning July through the weekend targeted individuals linked specifically to the Nova music festival abductions and subsequent hostage captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Operations
Who was Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr?
Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr was a militant affiliated with global jihadist organizations in the Gaza Strip. The IDF documented him abducting Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or on a motorcycle during the October 7 festival massacre and accused him of supplying weapons to Hamas.
Which hostages were held by Muhammad Hamad Muhammad Gabain?
The Shin Bet and IDF stated that Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Eitan Mor, Liri Albag, Agam Berger, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Keith Siegel, and Alon Ohel were held by Gabain.
How was Noa Argamani rescued?
Argamani was rescued by security forces on June 8, 2024, in Operation Arnon, alongside Andrey Kozlov, Almog Meir Jan, and Shlomi Ziv.