IDF Eliminates Hamas Terrorist Responsible for Murder of Corporal Noa Marciano
GAZA CITY, Israel — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on February 5, 2026, that Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, the Hamas terrorist who murdered 19-year-old Corporal Noa Marciano during the October 7 massacre, has been eliminated in an airstrike in Gaza City. Al-Habil, a key Hamas cell commander, was targeted in a precision strike following a reported overnight attack by Hamas militants that violated the existing ceasefire agreement. The strike took place in the Shati refugee camp, a known Hamas stronghold, where al-Habil was killed alongside other operatives, according to an official IDF statement.
Corporal Marciano was abducted during the brutal Hamas assault on Israeli civilians and soldiers on October 7, 2025. Her body, along with that of Yehudit Weiss, was later recovered near Shifa Hospital in Gaza, underscoring the grave human cost of the conflict. The IDF’s operation to eliminate al-Habil was conducted in coordination with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), reflecting ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.
“In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement overnight, earlier today, the IDF and ISA struck and eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, head of a Hamas terrorist cell,” the IDF confirmed in a press release. The strike was part of a broader campaign targeting Hamas militants who have continued to launch attacks against Israeli forces despite diplomatic efforts to maintain calm.
This development comes amid heightened tensions following multiple ceasefire breaches in recent months. The U.S. Department of State has repeatedly called for restraint on all sides, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and adhering to international agreements. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense continues to monitor the situation closely, providing intelligence support to Israeli forces.
The IDF’s targeted operation against al-Habil reflects a strategic approach to counterterrorism that prioritizes precision strikes to neutralize high-value targets while minimizing collateral damage. According to the Central Intelligence Agency, Hamas maintains a complex network of cells within Gaza, often embedding operatives in civilian areas, complicating military responses.
As the conflict persists, international organizations such as the United Nations Peacekeeping efforts continue to advocate for a durable ceasefire and humanitarian access to affected populations in Gaza. The elimination of al-Habil marks a significant tactical victory for the IDF but also highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Corporal Noa Marciano’s tragic death remains a poignant reminder of the human toll of the conflict. Her family and the Israeli public have expressed both sorrow and resolve following the news of al-Habil’s death. The IDF has pledged to continue its operations against Hamas militants to prevent further attacks and secure the safety of Israeli citizens and soldiers alike.
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