The IDF and Shin Bet announced that the commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade who was eliminated this week, Nail Abu Abid, was involved in the abduction and holding of IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians for years and during the war. In 2014, it was stated, "Abu Abid was deputy commander of the Rafah Brigade and took part in holding Lieutenant Hadar Goldin of blessed memory in Hamas captivity. Throughout the war, Abu Abid took part in holding several hostages, including Staff Sergeant Nimrod Cohen inside an underground infrastructure in the Rafah area. The elimination of the terrorist Abu Abid represents an important closing of the circle."