IDF kills Gazan terrorist that abducted, likely murdered Bibas family

Awad was behind the raid on Nir Oz and the abductions of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas and is believed to have played a big role in their murders.

 Pictures of Shiri Bibas and her children Kfir and Ariel outside a protest tent calling for the release of the hostages outside the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, February 19, 2025.  (photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Pictures of Shiri Bibas and her children Kfir and Ariel outside a protest tent calling for the release of the hostages outside the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, February 19, 2025.
(photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

The IDF and Shin Bet struck and eliminated Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, a senior commander in the Military Intelligence Array in the Gaza Strip, the IDF announced on Friday.

He was affiliated with senior commanders of the Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization.

On October 7, Awad infiltrated the Israeli community of Nir Oz multiple times. He was one of the leaders of the massacre and was likely personally involved in the abductions and brutal murders of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas.

Additionally, he played a role in the abduction and burial of Gaddi Haggai and Judy Weinstein. He was also involved in the abductions of Thai citizens.

Additional terror attacks

As part of his role in the terrorist organization, Awad actively recruited operatives in the West Bank and within Israel, using them to plan and carry out attacks against Israelis until his death.

 Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

During the war, the Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization, with Awad as a key figure, carried out multiple terrorist attacks against the State of Israel and IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip.

Bibas family kidnapping

During the October 7 raid, Hamas terrorist infiltrated into southern Israel, murdering and kidnapping hundreds of people, including the Bibas family. Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were kidnapped by Awad and Yarden was kidnapped by Hamas.

The kidnapping of the Bibas family was one of the results of the complete collapse of Israel’s security forces on October 7. Their community of Nir Oz suffered a grievous massacre.

Hamas released Yarden Bibas on February 1 and released Shiri, Ariel and Kfir's bodies a couple weeks later. It was then later announced that Shiri and the kids were brutally murdered by their kidnappers in captivity and their deaths were used to psychologically hurt Yarden.