In the wake of the horrific October 7 attacks, Israel has targeted and killed Hassan Mahmoud Hassan Hussein, the Hamas commander responsible for the killing and kidnapping of civilians at the Nova music festival.
Hussein, who led operations from what survivors called the “shelter of death,” orchestrated the massacre that claimed 16 Israeli lives and resulted in four hostages being taken to Gaza.
The Tragic Night at Nova Festival
During the attack, Hamas gunmen stormed the festival, throwing grenades and firing into a bunker where partygoers had sought refuge.
Despite the heroism of some inside, including British-Israeli Aner Elyakim Shapira, who threw back seven grenades to save others, 16 of the 27 people hiding inside were killed.
Four hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were captured and taken to Gaza.
Tragically, Goldberg-Polin later died from his injuries.
Shocking Footage Captures Terrorist Atrocities
Blurred footage, released at the request of victims’ families, shows the terrifying moments as Hamas gunmen dragged survivors from the shelter into trucks.
The hostages were mocked and referred to as “dogs” by the terrorists, who even demanded selfies with the captives.
The clip provides a harrowing glimpse into the chaos and brutality of the attack, which occurred at Kibbutz Re’im.
Hussein’s Role in the Bureij Battalion
Hussein served as a commander in Hamas’s Bureij Battalion and oversaw both the murders and the kidnappings at the festival.
He joins Muhammad Abu Attawi, another commander killed in an Israeli strike in October 2024, as key Hamas figures eliminated for their roles in attacks against civilians.
Survivor Stories Highlight Heroism and Horror
The survivors’ experiences are chilling. Goldberg-Polin, seriously injured with his right hand severed, climbed into the truck covered in blood.
Other hostages, including Or Levy and Eliya Cohen, endured unimaginable trauma, witnessing the deaths of their loved ones while being forced into captivity.
Some survivors later expressed relief and celebration upon hearing of Hussein’s death.
Israel’s Military Campaign Continues
The elimination of Hussein comes as part of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to the October 7 attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis and left 251 hostages.
Since then, the conflict has escalated, with reports indicating more than 66,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Survivors Reflect on Justice and Closure
Former hostages, including Cohen, expressed a sense of closure following the death of Hussein.
“This is the terrorist who was responsible for my kidnapping.
They informed me about the elimination in the morning. We celebrated,” Cohen said.
While the conflict continues, the strike represents a significant blow to Hamas leadership responsible for the festival massacre.