Joint Statement from the IDF Spokesperson and the Shin Bet Spokesperson: The IDF and Shin Bet attacked a cell of armed Hamas terrorists who were advancing terror plots against our forces: A terrorist who took part in the disaster of the collapse was eliminated in the attack.

As a result of the terrorist’s activity, 21 IDF soldiers were killed. Additionally, further terrorists from the Hamas terror organization were eliminated in the attack, including a Nohba terrorist, a squad leader, and an officer in the Hamas police, as well as three additional Hamas terrorists. The elimination of Bashti represents an important closing of the circle against one of the most severe terrorist attacks carried out against IDF forces during the war. IDF forces in the Southern Command are deployed in the area according to the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.