Israel Says 4,000 of 6,000 October 7 Infiltrators Are Dead, With 2,000 Still at Large

Military intelligence chief briefs the Security Cabinet as two more Nukhba operatives are killed in Gaza, despite the 2025 ceasefire.

By Khurram Ali RazaFaith & Freedom News (FFN)  |  October 5, 2026

JERUSALEM – About 4,000 of the roughly 6,000 people who crossed from Gaza into Israel during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault have been killed, and around 2,000 remain at large, Israeli military intelligence told the Security Cabinet. Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, head of the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman), delivered the update, according to JFeed and The Jerusalem Post.

Security officials say the remaining individuals will be pursued “to the last one.” The figures are Israeli assessments and have not been independently verified.

How the numbers have grown

The new total is higher than earlier official estimates of about 5,000 participants. Reporting suggests the revision reflects more detailed accounting that includes not only direct attackers but also those who facilitated the operation, including hostage-holders, according to The Times of Israel. Counts differ because some include only those who crossed the fence and others add custody and support roles.

The “Nili” unit

The hunt is run by a joint IDF–Shin Bet unit called “Nili,” an acronym for Netzach Yisrael Lo Yishaker (“The Eternal One of Israel does not lie”), set up after the attack. Officials acknowledged its mission publicly for the first time in August, The Times of Israel reported. Its mandate covers planners, facilitators, direct attackers and those who held or abused hostages, per Israel National News.

Two Nukhba operatives killed in a week

The IDF said it killed two Nukhba operatives who took part in the October 7 infiltration and later resumed militant activity in Gaza. It described their activity as systematic violations of the 2025 ceasefire, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The IDF said both strikes used precision munitions and aerial surveillance to limit risk to uninvolved civilians. Deniz Feneri presents itself as a humanitarian group; the claims about it come from the IDF and were not independently confirmed in the reports reviewed.

“Ceasefire arrangements do not grant immunity” to those who keep planning attacks or rebuilding networks.Israeli officials’ stated position, as reported by The Jerusalem Post

What it means

Israel says the campaign continues under the ceasefire, with Southern Command forces still active in Gaza. Analysts will watch three points:

• A durable core. The remaining 2,000 are presumed to include experienced operatives who survived earlier rounds of fighting.
• Commander-level targeting. Strikes on platoon and cell commanders aim to stop Hamas from rebuilding elite units.
• Aid and civilian protection. Allegations that a humanitarian group served as cover raise disputes over proportionality and distinction in strikes.

Sources

• JFeed, “IDF eliminated 4,000 of 6,000 Oct. 7 terrorists, 2,000 remain,” Oct. 5, 2026
• The Jerusalem Post, “Military intelligence: IDF killed 4,000 terrorists out of 6,000 from Oct. 7,” Oct. 5, 2026
• The Jerusalem Post, “IDF, ISA kill Hamas Nukhba commander who infiltrated Israel on Oct. 7,” Oct. 5, 2026
• The Times of Israel, “IDF, Shin Bet acknowledge for first time special mission…,” Aug. 8, 2026
• The Times of Israel, “Israel steps up campaign to kill all 5,000 Oct. 7 terrorists…,” July 16, 2026
• Israel National News, “Inside Israel’s endless manhunt for the October 7th terrorists,” Aug. 9, 2026
• Srugim (Hebrew), report on the Aman chief’s cabinet briefing, Oct. 5, 2026