Jerusalem, 19 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — After an extended intelligence investigation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet revealed that Naael Abu Obeid, commander of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, killed Tuesday in Gaza, was involved in abducting and holding Israeli soldiers and civilians both before and during the war.
In 2014, Abu Obeid served as deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade. He participated in holding IDF Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed during Operation Protective Edge and whose remains have been held by Hamas.
During the current war, Abu Obeid was involved in holding several Israeli hostages, including IDF Sgt. Nimrod Cohen, who was held in an underground Hamas facility in the Rafah area.
The IDF and Shin Bet said his elimination represents an important closing of the circle and vowed to continue targeting Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre.