Israeli security forces killed Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr over the weekend in an airstrike in the Nuseirat area of the central Gaza Strip, according to announcements from the military and domestic security agencies. The joint statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet confirmed that Sakr was documented on October 7, 2023, driving the motorcycle used to abduct Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or from the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im into Gaza.
Security Forces Eliminate Militant Tied to October 7 Kidnapping
Footage of the abduction, which showed Argamani being driven away on a motorcycle while Or was taken separately, circulated worldwide and became one of the most recognizable images of the October 7 attack. According to the military, the operation to eliminate Sakr was carried out with the participation of the Israel Police’s Gideonim Unit 33 from Lahav 433. Authorities stated that Sakr was affiliated with global jihadist organizations in the Gaza Strip and supplied weapons to Hamas throughout the war. Officials also noted that he had recently advanced attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops alongside operatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Background on Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or
Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or were a couple at the time they were violently separated and forced into captivity during the Hamas-led massacre, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. The Nova festival itself sustained heavy casualties, with more than 360 people killed and dozens abducted.
Argamani spent 245 days in captivity before she was rescued on June 8, 2024, alongside Andrey Kozlov, Almog Meir Jan, and Shlomi Ziv during a daylight raid in Nuseirat now known as Operation Arnon. The mission was named in memory of Israeli police counterterrorism officer Arnon Zmora, who was fatally wounded during the rescue. Following her return, Argamani became a prominent advocate for the release of remaining captives. Or remained in Hamas captivity for 738 days before being released on October 13, 2025, under a deal involving the release of Palestinian security prisoners, though the couple later separated in March 2026.
Targeted Strikes Against October 7 Participants
The killing of Sakr follows a series of targeted operations by Israeli forces against individuals involved in the October 7 attacks and the holding of hostages. A Southern Command official stated that a dedicated command center continuously tracks designated targets, utilizing intelligence gathered from investigations, surveillance, and operations within Gaza to strike when opportunities arise.
In a separate announcement on Sunday, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed the targeted killing of Muhammad Hamad Muhammad Gabain, a Hamas military wing commander involved in holding nine hostages—including Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Eitan Mor, Liri Albag, Agam Berger, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Keith Siegel, and Alon Ohel—who was struck in the northern Gaza Strip. Additional strikes in recent months have targeted other commanders and operatives linked to the initial festival abductions and subsequent captivity of hostages.