IDF Says Slain Rafah Brigade Commander Nael Abu Obeid Held Hadar Goldin's Remains and Hostage Nimrod Cohen for Years

The IDF and Shin Bet disclosed on Friday-Saturday, September 18-19, 2026 that Nael Abu Obeid — commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade, killed in a September 15, 2026 strike in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis — had for years been directly involved in holding Israeli hostages and remains. The agencies said Abu Obeid, who served as Rafah Brigade deputy commander as far back as 2014, was involved that year in holding the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin (whose remains were returned to Israel in 2025), and that during the current war he held tank soldier Sgt. First Class Nimrod Cohen — released October 13, 2025 — in underground tunnel infrastructure beneath Rafah, along with other hostages. The IDF and Shin Bet called his elimination 'an important closure' in pursuing those responsible for the October 7 hostage-taking campaign. Abu Obeid had replaced Mohammad Shabana, killed by the IDF in May 2025, as Rafah Brigade commander.