Top Hamas Commander Involved in 2003 Soldier Killings Eliminated in Gaza Strike

A precise Israeli airstrike in Gaza has eliminated Farrah Hamed, a senior commander in Hamas's military wing. Hamed was a key figure in the 2003 murder of three Israeli soldiers during the Second Intifada and was subsequently released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. Despite his release and exile to Gaza, he continued to direct terror activities in the West Bank from the Strip.

Dramatic footage released shows the moment of the targeted assassination in the Sheikh Ajlin neighborhood of Gaza City. The video captures a focused explosion neutralizing Hamed in a populated area, with thick smoke rising from the scene. Civilian movement near the site is visible shortly after the strike.

Hamed was involved in multiple severe attacks, including the October 2003 shooting in Ein Yabrud that killed Sergeant Elad Pollak, Sergeant Roi Yaakov Solomon, and First Sergeant Erez Idan. He had been serving three consecutive life sentences for his role in these murders before his release.

The operation was a joint intelligence effort by the Shin Bet, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the Gideonim unit of the Israel Police (Lahav 433). Security officials stated that extensive preliminary measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions and extensive aerial intelligence gathering.

Israeli security forces emphasized their ongoing commitment to pursuing terrorists involved in deadly attacks across all fronts to neutralize threats and protect Israeli citizens and security personnel.