IDF confirms killing Hamas commander who held Israeli hostages

(JNS.org) – The Israel Defense Forces on Friday confirmed the killing of a Hamas company commander who participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and was involved in holding Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Muhammad Mushtaha was killed in a targeted strike in the northern Gaza Strip two weeks ago, according to the military. Mushtaha served as a company commander in the Shati Battalion of Hamas’s “military” wing and infiltrated Israel during the Oct. 7 massacre.

During the subsequent war, he took part in holding numerous hostages captive, including Tsachi Idan, Cpl. Noa Marciano, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Ori Megidish, Naama Levy and Matan Angrest, the IDF said.

The IDF added that since the ceasefire was reached between Israel and Hamas, Mushtaha had attempted to advance terrorist attacks on Israeli troops and civilians.

He was targeted “to remove the threat,” according to the military.