IDF and Shin Bet Say They Killed Hamas Deputy Cell Commander Who Worked at Al-Shifa Hospital

Overview

• Israeli military and security services announced the killing of Abd al‑Rahim Kardi in a Gaza City‑area airstrike and identified him as a Hamas deputy cell commander.
• The IDF says Kardi held a civilian post as a doctor at Al‑Shifa Hospital while taking part in the Oct. 7, 2023 hostage incidents and in holding the body of Cpl. Noa Marciano.
• Israeli statements say Kardi continued to plan or enable attacks against troops and civilians and that precision munitions and aerial surveillance were used to reduce the risk to nearby civilians.
• The military also reported a separate strike this week that killed Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Kafina, a commander in Kataeb al‑Mujahideen, signaling continued targeting of multiple armed groups in Gaza.
• Former hostage Romi Gonen publicly welcomed Kardi’s death as justice, and Israeli officials said the operation underscores the tension between counterterror operations and protecting civilian institutions.