IDF Eliminates Hamas Terrorists Involved in October 7th Massacre

The Israeli military and Shin Bet announced the elimination of two Hamas terrorists, Yahya Hamdouna and Muhammad Rafa'i, who infiltrated Israel during the October 7th massacre. Hamdouna was part of Hamas's military wing, while Rafa'i belonged to the Daraj Tufah battalion. Additionally, a commander of Hamas's elite Nukhba force was killed on the Alberesh axis. These strikes were conducted to neutralize threats posed by terrorists who had been advancing terror plans against Israeli forces and civilians and attempting to rebuild the terrorist organization's capabilities, in violation of the ceasefire.

Prior to the strikes, measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions and aerial surveillance. The operation was a joint effort by the IDF and Shin Bet.

Separately, in the West Bank, Israeli forces apprehended the terrorist responsible for a shooting attack near the settlement of Neve Tzuf in the Benjamin region. The terrorist, who had wounded a man in his 30s, was pursued by the Dovdevan unit and captured after fleeing to a nearby hospital. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that no terrorist would be immune and ordered increased operations in the West Bank, including demolishing the attacker's home.

The victim of the Neve Tzuf attack was identified as Natanel Shkaron, a 36-year-old father of six from the Ali Zahav settlement. He was described as a charitable, humble, and beloved individual, a devoted husband to his wife Merav, and a dedicated father. Shkaron worked as an information systems analyst for "Hachshara Insurance Company," and his wife, Dr. Merav Shkaron, is a lecturer at Ariel University. Social services and the local emergency team are providing support to the family.