According to the Israeli military, Sharia was among the militant leaders who stormed Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small Israeli community near the Gaza border where many residents were killed or taken hostage.
In a significant military strike, Israel has announced the killing of Asaad Abu Sharia, a top militant leader involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel. The operation marks another targeted assassination in Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza.
Joint Israeli Operation Targets Key Militant Leader
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strike was conducted in collaboration with the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service. Asaad Abu Sharia was the head of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement and its armed wing, the Mujahideen Brigades.
The militant group confirmed the deaths of both Asaad and his brother Ahmed Abu Sharia. Their family home in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood was hit during an Israeli airstrike. Local reports say at least 15 people were killed, and several others were injured in the blast.
Mujahideen Brigades' Role in October 7 Attack
The Mujahideen Brigades were among the factions that joined Hamas in the deadly October 7 cross-border assault. They reportedly participated in the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, an Israeli community near the Gaza border. Many residents were either killed or taken hostage during the coordinated assault.
The IDF stated that even though the Mujahideen Brigades may not have known Hamas’s full plans beforehand, they actively joined the offensive as it unfolded. Their participation intensified the scale and horror of the attacks.
Symbolic Victims: The Bibas Family
Israel says Sharia was directly involved in the kidnapping and killing of several hostages, including the Bibas family. Shiri Bibas and her two sons—Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months)—became tragic symbols of the October 7 tragedy. Kfir was the youngest hostage kidnapped and killed in Gaza. Shiri’s husband, Yarden, was also abducted but was later released in February after over 480 days in captivity.
Reacting to the news of Sharia’s death, the Bibas family expressed gratitude. In a statement released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the family said, “While Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir cannot be brought back, we find comfort knowing these murderers can no longer hurt others.”
Other Victims Linked to Mujahideen Leader
Sharia is also accused of orchestrating the abduction of Israeli-American couple Gad Haggai and Judi Lynn Weinstein Haggai. The couple was killed near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their deaths added to the growing list of civilians targeted during the October assault.
In addition, Israeli officials say Sharia was responsible for abducting and killing Nattapong Pinta, a Thai agricultural worker. His body was recently recovered during an Israeli military operation in southern Gaza.
Mujahideen Brigades Still Holding Foreign Hostages
Despite Sharia’s death, the IDF believes the Mujahideen Brigades are still holding the body of at least one more foreign national. The group has denied killing its hostages, but Israeli intelligence suggests otherwise.
The killing of Sharia is seen as part of Israel’s ongoing campaign to eliminate the masterminds behind the October 7 attacks. His death is a significant blow to the Mujahideen Brigades, though tensions and violence remain high in the region.
