The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency said Friday they eliminated a Hamas deputy cell commander during an operation Thursday. The individual worked as a doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital while involved in holding Israeli hostages, according to the military.
Abd al-Rahim Abd al-Hay Youssef Kardi entered Israeli territory during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. At the start of the conflict, he was involved in holding hostage Romi Gonen in the Gaza City area and at Al-Shifa Hospital. He was also involved in holding the body of Cpl. Noa Marciano in the Gaza City area after her death until IDF forces recovered it, the military stated.
Throughout the war and in recent months, Kardi continued to advance terror attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, posing an ongoing threat, the military said. He was killed in an airstrike in the Gaza City area.
The IDF characterized the case as illustrative of Hamas operatives using civilian institutions and positions while concealing their militant affiliation and conducting terrorist operations.
The military said precautions were taken before the strike to minimize civilian casualties, including use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance. IDF troops under Southern Command remain deployed in the area according to existing agreements and will continue operations to address threats, the statement concluded.