IDF kills Hamas Nukhba operative who helped plan deadly attack on Israeli tank, killing four

On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out an airstrike in Gaza City, resulting in the death of Hamas Nukhba operative Musa Abd Muhammad Hamouda, according to the military. Hamouda was implicated in the planning of an explosive device attack that took place on September 8, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers from the Armored Corps.

The victims were identified as Staff-Sergeant Uri Lamed from Tel Mond, aged 20; Sergeant Gadi Cotal from Kibbutz Afikim, also 20; Sergeant Amit Arye Regev from Modi in-Maccabim-Reut, and Lieutenant Matan Abramovitz from Ganei Tikva, aged 21.

The IDF highlighted Hamouda's elimination as a significant achievement for the 162nd Division, as it held those responsible for the deaths of their soldiers accountable. The division's 215th Fire Brigade, which is part of the operation, neutralized the terrorist responsible for the tragic incident. The airstrike was a collaborative effort between the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) and the IDF.

The attack occurred shortly before the explosives strike, with the Nahal Brigade's 50th Battalion on duty near the Nahal Brigade's 50th Battalion. At around 6 a.m., a group of three terrorists arrived near the IDF post in the vicinity of the Nahal Brigade's 50th Battalion. They engaged the tank crew in gunfire and, following the exchange, threw an explosive device into the tank from close range, leading to the deaths of the four soldiers inside.

Following the attack, two of the terrorists sustained injuries during the ensuing exchange of gunfire with IDF soldiers. In an initial investigation, it was noted that the tank crew was alert and engaged in surveillance during the incident, indicating they were not asleep. Two of the terrorists were reportedly hit during the confrontation with IDF personnel.