JERUSALEM (VINnews)-The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Friday the elimination of Muhammad Bassam Muhammad Mushtaha, a Hamas company commander who participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and held numerous hostages in captivity.

Mushtaha, who served as a company commander in the Shati’ Battalion of Hamas’ military wing, was struck two weeks ago in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF said. He infiltrated Israeli territory on Oct. 7 and took part in the attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw more than 250 others taken hostage.

Throughout the war, Mushtaha was involved in holding multiple hostages captive, including Tsachi Idan, Cpl. Noa Marciano, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Ori Megidish, Naama Levy and Matan Angrerst, according to the military.

The IDF said Mushtaha had recently attempted to advance terror attacks against Israeli troops and civilians. He was eliminated to remove that threat.

Prior to the strike, the military took steps to mitigate 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 any threats, the statement said.