Israel Kills Hamas Militant Linked to October 7 Hostage Taker

Israel has killed Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr, a Palestinian militant identified as a key figure in the kidnapping of Israeli hostages Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Sakr supplied weapons to Hamas and operated the motorcycle used to abduct Argamani and Or from the Nova music festival.

Sakr was targeted and eliminated in an airstrike at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, carried out by the Israel Police's Gideonim Unit 33. The IDF reported that Sakr had advanced attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, posing a threat that needed to be removed. He was allegedly working in cooperation with operatives from the military wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, in violation of a ceasefire agreement.

Footage of Argamani's kidnapping, which occurred at a desert rave where approximately 400 partygoers were killed, became one of the most recognizable images of the October 7 attacks. She was seen on the back of a motorcycle, screaming for her life, while her then-boyfriend, Or, was taken separately. Additional footage showed her being handled roughly by militants.

Sakr was described by the IDF as being affiliated with "global jihadist organisations" and involved in attacks on troops and civilians. The military released footage purportedly showing the moment of Sakr's death, depicting an explosion near a building.

Noa Argamani, who is of Chinese heritage, was rescued on June 8, 2024, after 246 days in captivity. Her experience as a hostage included witnessing an execution, surviving an airstrike, enduring starvation, and fearing for her mother's life. Doctors later described her survival as a miracle due to the lack of medical attention.

Avinatan Or, held in a separate location in central Gaza, was released after 738 days as part of a ceasefire brokered in October 2025. The October 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military response in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis and, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 73,000 Palestinian deaths.

Separately, a $2.45 billion plan for rebuilding Gaza was recently unveiled by President Trump's Board of Peace. The proposal, presented at the UN General Assembly, includes 66 programs aimed at rehabilitating Gaza's infrastructure and economy. However, officials acknowledge the plan faces an uncertain future due to ongoing disagreements between Israel and Hamas regarding ceasefire terms. Jared Kushner, who devised the plan, noted that it is being refined and prepared for implementation when conditions allow.