IDF Confirms Killing Terrorist Behind Six Israeli Deaths in West Bank

The Israeli military confirmed Wednesday the overnight airstrike in Gaza that killed Faraḥ Hamad, a senior member of Hamas's military wing. Hamad was responsible for the deaths of six Israeli civilians, including Shuli Har Melech, and three Israeli soldiers in attacks in the West Bank. He had previously been a prominent figure in Hamas's "West Bank headquarters" infrastructure and fought against Israeli forces during past conflicts in Gaza. For years, Hamad was involved in planning and executing terror attacks in the West Bank, including a shooting near Rimmonim Junction in November 2002 that killed Esther Galiya Attia, a shooting on Route 60 in June 2003 that killed Zvi (Howard) Goldstein, and a shooting on the Alon road in the Samaria region in August 2003 that killed Shalom (Shuli) Har Melech. He also participated in a shooting attack in Ein Yabrud in October 2003, which resulted in the deaths of soldiers Elad Pollak, Ro'i Yaakov Solomon, and Erez Idan.

Hamad was arrested in 2011 but later released to Gaza as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal. Even after his transfer to Gaza, he continued his activities within Hamas's military wing, actively recruiting operatives and directing attacks in the West Bank. The strike that killed Hamad was a joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police.