Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr, linked to the kidnapping of Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or, was killed by Israeli forces in a Nuseirat airstrike, according to the IDF and Shin Bet.
In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr, identified by Israeli authorities as a key operative involved in the kidnapping of Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or, was killed in an airstrike on Sunday in the Nuseirat area of central Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet confirmed the operation, stating that Sakr was affiliated with a global jihadist organization operating within Gaza.
The October 7, 2023, attack, which saw Argamani abducted from the Nova music festival, left a lasting impression on the Israeli public. The image of Argamani being taken away on a motorcycle became one of the most defining visuals of that tragic day. Israeli forces have now claimed responsibility for eliminating the individual who drove that motorcycle into Gaza.
According to the IDF and Shin Bet, Sakr was actively involved with various jihadist groups in the Gaza Strip. He was accused of supplying weapons to Hamas during the conflict and had collaborated with operatives from both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad to orchestrate attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians. The airstrike was reportedly conducted due to the ongoing threat he posed, despite the ceasefire arrangements in place.
The operation involved aerial surveillance and precision weaponry to minimize civilian casualties, reflecting Israel’s commitment to conducting targeted strikes against individuals deemed a threat to national security. The IDF noted that the strike was executed in collaboration with Israel’s security agency and the Gideonim Unit 33 of the police’s Lahav 433 division.
Sakr’s involvement in the kidnapping of Argamani and Or has drawn particular scrutiny. The IDF stated that he was responsible for transporting Argamani away from the Nova music festival and into Gaza, a detail that has been corroborated by various reports. Argamani’s partner, Avinatan Or, was abducted separately during the same attack, and Israeli authorities have previously identified other militants connected to their kidnappings.
Argamani endured approximately eight months in captivity before being rescued by Israeli forces on June 8, 2024, in a mission dubbed Operation Arnon, named after a counterterrorism officer who lost his life during the operation. Her rescue, along with that of three other hostages, marked a significant moment in the ongoing hostage crisis stemming from the October 7 attack.
In contrast, Avinatan Or spent a considerably longer time in captivity, remaining in Gaza for 738 days before his release on October 13, 2025, as part of a broader agreement involving Gaza. While their abductions were separate incidents, Israeli authorities have linked Sakr and other militants to the overarching operation that involved both hostages.
The IDF has emphasized that Sakr’s continued activities post-October 7 warranted his targeting. They alleged that he played a role in planning further attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel, thus violating the ceasefire terms. The operation to eliminate him was framed as a necessary step to mitigate an ongoing threat rather than merely a retribution for past actions.
Israeli security forces remain vigilant in tracking individuals associated with the October 7 attack, focusing on those involved in killings, hostage-taking, and military operations. The killing of Sakr adds another name to the list of individuals targeted by Israeli operations aimed at dismantling networks that pose a threat to national security.
The report of Sakr’s death has been widely covered by international media, underscoring the ongoing complexities and tensions in the region. As the conflict continues, the focus on individuals linked to the October 7 attack remains a priority for Israeli authorities, who are committed to ensuring the safety of their citizens.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the implications of Sakr’s death may reverberate through the ongoing conflict as Israel seeks to address the threats posed by militant groups in Gaza.