IDF Eliminates Hamas Commander Who Murdered Soldiers, Released in Gilad Shalit Deal

The Israeli military confirmed Thursday the airstrike assassination of Hamas commander Farah Hamed in Gaza's Sheikh Ajlin neighborhood. Hamed was a senior figure in Hamas's military wing and was responsible for murdering three IDF soldiers during the Second Intifada. He was released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal and subsequently deported to Gaza.

Dramatic footage emerged showing the precise moment of the strike, with a targeted explosion in a populated area and thick smoke rising from the scene. Civilians were seen near the site shortly after the attack.

Hamed was a key figure in Hamas's terror apparatus for many years. As part of the 'Silwad' cell in the Benjamin region, he was involved in severe attacks, including a shooting in October 2003 near Ein Yabrud that killed soldiers Elad Pollak, Roi Yaakov Solomon, and Erez Idan. Following his capture, Hamed was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences for his central role in the murders.

Even after his release and relocation to Gaza, Hamed continued to direct terror activities, coordinating cells in the West Bank from the Strip. The assassination was the result of a joint intelligence operation by the Shin Bet, the IDF, and the Gideonim unit of the Israel Police (Lahav 433).

Security officials stated that extensive preparatory measures were taken before the airstrike to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions and prolonged aerial surveillance. They emphasized that the determined effort against terrorists involved in deadly attacks will continue with full force across all fronts to neutralize threats and protect Israeli citizens and security forces.