JERUSALEM (VINnews)-The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency eliminated a Hamas deputy cell commander Thursday who simultaneously worked as a doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital and was involved in holding Israeli hostages, the military said Friday.

Abd al-Rahim Abd al-Hay Youssef Kardi infiltrated Israeli territory during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. At the outset of the war, he was involved in holding hostage Romi Gonen in the Gaza City area and at Al-Shifa Hospital. He was also involved in holding the body of Cpl. Noa Marciano in the Gaza City area after her murder until IDF forces recovered it, according to the IDF.

Throughout the war and in recent months, Kardi continued to advance terror attacks targeting IDF troops and Israeli civilians, the military said. He posed a threat to troops and was killed in an airstrike in the Gaza City area.

The IDF described the case as another example of Hamas operatives exploiting civilian institutions and holding civilian roles while concealing their affiliation with the group and taking part in terrorist activity.

Before the strike, the military said, steps were taken to reduce the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the existing agreement and will continue operating to remove threats, the statement said.