Israel Says It Has Eliminated 2,561 Hamas Oct. 7 Attackers, Hundreds More Still Being Hunted

Israel Says It Has Eliminated 2,561 Hamas Oct. 7 Attackers, Hundreds More Still Being Hunted

Israeli security forces have killed 2,561 terrorists from the Gaza Strip who allegedly participated in the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, according to a report by Israeli broadcaster Channel 12.

The report stated that around 1,000 of those militants were killed during intense clashes in the northwestern Negev as Israeli forces fought to regain control of communities and military positions in the days immediately following the attack.

Despite the large number of casualties, Israeli intelligence believes the operation is far from over. The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) estimates that several hundred individuals involved in the October 7 massacre are still alive, with security forces continuing efforts to locate and eliminate them.

Israel's Secret "Nili" Unit Continues Global Hunt

In response to the unprecedented October 7 assault, Israel established a special joint task force made up of personnel from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet.

The unit, known as Nili, takes its name from a historic Jewish underground organization active during World War I. According to Israeli officials, the unit was created with a clear mission: track down every individual who participated in the October 7 attacks.

The Israeli government reportedly gave the task force operational authority to pursue those responsible as part of its broader campaign against Hamas.

Hamas Commander Linked to Re’im Base Attack Killed

The IDF announced on Friday that it had carried out a precision airstrike in southern Gaza, killing Yahya Hamdan, identified as a Hamas Nukhba cell commander.

According to the military, Hamdan was among the militants who infiltrated the Re’im military base during the October 7 attack. The strike took place on Thursday as part of Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza.

Another Suspect Accused of Kidnapping Hostages Also Eliminated

In a separate operation announced a day earlier, the IDF and Shin Bet said they had killed Waheed Abu Salam, whom Israeli authorities accused of crossing into Israel during the October 7 assault.

The military alleged that Abu Salam participated in the abduction of Israeli civilians and later helped guard hostages in southern Gaza throughout the conflict. He was reportedly killed in a joint Israeli airstrike carried out on Tuesday.

Israel Vows Hunt Will Continue

Israeli officials maintain that the campaign to identify and target those involved in the October 7 attacks will continue until every suspect has been located.

The latest operations underscore Israel's determination to pursue those it holds responsible for one of the deadliest attacks in the country's history, even as the wider conflict in Gaza continues.

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