JERUSALEM (VINnews)-An Israeli airstrike killed a Hamas terrorist who participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of Israel and held hostage Omer Shem Tov, the Israel Defense Forces announced.

Sabaei Zahir Abd al-Hamid Abu Hasna, a member of Hamas’s elite Nukhba Force, was killed in a strike in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, the military said.

When Shem Tov was released from captivity, Hamas cameramen directed the hostage to kiss Abu Hasna on the head during a staged propaganda video of the handover, images that circulated widely after his release.

Abu Hasna took part in the Oct. 7 onslaught, held Shem Tov hostage during the war, planted explosive devices and recently tried to advance attacks against Israeli troops operating in Gaza, the IDF said.

In a separate strike over the weekend, the military killed three additional Hamas gunmen who were attempting to attack troops in Gaza.

The IDF has intensified operations in recent months targeting Hamas operatives still active in Gaza, including several who participated in the Oct. 7 massacre, saying they continue to pose threats to Israeli forces.