Terrorist who led Bibas family abduction eliminated
Terrorist behind family abduction also likely involved in their murders, IDF confirms after Gaza airstrike
The terrorist who led the abduction of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, the IDF and Shin Bet announced on Friday.
Muhammad Hassan Muhammad Awad, a senior commander in the Mujahideen Brigades, entered Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led 7 October, 2023, onslaught and led the abduction of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, according to a joint statement. The IDF added that Awad was “likely involved in their murder” during the early weeks of the war.
The Bibas family were among the most widely recognised faces of the 7 October hostage crisis. Nine-month-old Kfir was the youngest Israeli held captive. The three were murdered in captivity, contrary to Hamas claims they were killed in an airstrike.
Awad was also behind the abduction of US-Israeli nationals Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein, both later killed, and several Thai farm workers, the IDF said.
In the same strike campaign, Israel also eliminated Mohammed Saleh al-Bardawil, described as a key figure in Hamas’s propaganda apparatus, and Saeed Ahmad Abed Khudari, who oversaw financial transfers to the group’s military wing.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
