Hamas Terrorist Involved in 2001 Murder of Israeli Politician's Husband Eliminated in Gaza

Israeli security forces have eliminated Farach Hamad, a Hamas operative responsible for the 2001 murder of Shuli Har-Melech, near his wife Limor, who later became a Knesset member. Hamad was killed in an airstrike on his motorcycle in the Ajlin neighborhood of Gaza City. He was part of the Silwad cell that murdered Shuli Har-Melech, Esther Galyah, Tzvi Goldstein, and three IDF soldiers: Sergeant Elad Pollak, Sergeant Roey Yaakov Solomon, and First Sergeant Erez Idan.

Hamad was arrested and sentenced to three life sentences for his role in numerous deadly attacks. However, he was released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and exiled to Gaza. Following his release, he continued his involvement in terrorism, becoming a central figure in Hamas's West Bank headquarters, directing attacks in Judea and Samaria.

Limor Son Har-Melech, Shuli's widow, commented on the elimination, stating, "Another circle closed!" She added, "The pain does not pass and the longing does not cease, but today justice was done." She thanked the IDF and security forces for closing this "important and painful circle" and vowed that "every terrorist who murdered Jews, even if released, even if he escapes, and even if many years pass, the long arm of the people of Israel will reach him."

The joint operation was carried out by the Shin Bet, the IDF, and the Gideons Unit 33 of Lahav 433. Hamad was also involved in the October 2003 shooting attack at Ein Yabrud, which claimed the lives of the three IDF soldiers. Since his release, Hamad continued to be part of Hamas's military wing, recruiting and directing the organization's efforts to promote attacks in Judea and Samaria, and also participated in fighting against IDF forces during the recent war.