IDF Wounds Terrorist Linked to Bibas Family Abduction in Gaza
The IDF wounded a terrorist involved in the Bibas family kidnapping using precise munitions to avoid civilian casualties. The incident highlights the operational complexities and challenges faced by the military in Gaza.
In recent days, the IDF attempted to eliminate a terrorist involved in the abduction of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre. Due to the use of minimized munitions, he was only wounded rather than killed in the strike.
During the approval procedures for the targeted strike in the Gaza Strip, it became clear that the terrorist was located near a tent housing a Gazan family and their children. Consequently, a reduced-yield munition with a more precise effect was selected. This munition was only sufficient to wound him and did not eliminate him. Had heavier munitions been chosen, the family in the adjacent tent would have also been harmed.
The Reality of IDF Operations
This incident illustrates the distorted way such processes were depicted in a film that won an award at the Venice Film Festival. IDF Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, addressed the film and the attempt to smear IDF soldiers and commanders, emphasizing that combating this attempt is a national and international mission.
Behind the abduction of the three members of the Bibas family stood the terrorist organization Mujahideen Brigades, an offshoot of the Fatah movement from the early 2000s. Its terrorists previously belonged to a sub-organization within the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Like other organizations, the Mujahideen Brigades were members of the joint operations room managed by Hamas.
"I hope you know that I would give up everything for just one more small moment with you. I would give up my life if it would bring you back," wrote Yarden Bibas in an Instagram post.
Elimination of Senior Terrorists
In April 2025, the IDF eliminated Muhammad Hasan Muhammad Awad, a member of the military council and commander of the organization's intelligence mechanism, who was identified as the person who commanded the kidnapping operation of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. According to findings, he was also directly involved in their brutal murder in captivity.
In June 2025, Asaad Abu Sharia, who led the massacre in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, was eliminated in a strike on his home in Gaza City. Additionally, his brother, Ahmed Abu Sharia, who served as a senior figure in the same terrorist organization and was responsible for the Gaza City arena, was also eliminated. During the same period, Mahmoud Hamad Khalil, a terrorist from the organization who took an active part in the raid on Nir Oz and the holding of family members in captivity, was also eliminated.
A Family That Became a Symbol
On October 7, the Bibas family was at their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, from where Yarden was abducted to Gaza while wounded after going out to defend his loved ones with his personal handgun. Shortly afterward, terrorists raided the home, murdered the dog Tonto, and kidnapped Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. The video of Shiri trying to shield her two children with her hands, with a terrified look on her face surrounded by numerous cruel terrorists, became a symbol of the abduction.
On that same day, Shiri's parents, Margit and Yosi Silberman, were also murdered by Hamas terrorists. After 484 days of an extensive public campaign for their return, Yarden was released as part of the second hostage deal on February 1, 2025. Nineteen days later, the official announcement arrived stating that Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir had been brutally murdered in captivity.
The mother and her two sons were laid to rest on February 26, 2025, accompanied by thousands of Israelis who stood and waved flags along the funeral procession route to the cemetery in Tsofar.
