Top Hamas Terrorist Who Murdered Israeli Politician's Husband Eliminated in Gaza

Israeli security forces have eliminated Farach Hamed, a senior commander in Hamas's military wing and a member of the "Silwad cell" responsible for numerous deadly attacks during the Second Intifada. Hamed was killed in an Israeli Air Force strike in the southwestern Gaza City area of Sheikh Ajlin. He was directly involved in the murder of Shuli Har-Melech, husband of current Knesset Member Limor Son Har-Melech.

Hamed was apprehended, convicted for his role in multiple murders, and sentenced to three life sentences. However, he was released as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal and subsequently exiled to the Gaza Strip. Despite his exile, Hamed continued to direct terror operations in the West Bank from Gaza, becoming a key figure in Hamas's "West Bank headquarters."

The elimination of Hamed marks the end of a two-decade pursuit by Israeli security forces. He was a central figure in the terror cell that carried out lethal shootings, killing Shuli Har-Melech, Esther Galia, Zvi Goldstein, and three IDF soldiers: Sergeant Elad Pollak, Sergeant Roi Yaakov Solomon, and First Sergeant Erez Idan.

Hamed had survived several previous assassination attempts, including during Operation Protective Edge and Operation Guardian of the Walls. His death brings a sense of closure for the families of his victims, including MK Limor Son Har-Melech, who stated that "justice was done" and thanked the security forces for closing "an important and painful circle."

She added, "Let every terrorist who murdered Jews know: even if he is released, even if he escapes, and even if many years pass, the long arm of the people of Israel will reach him." The security forces confirmed the operation, emphasizing the long-term effort to bring Hamed to justice.