IDF and Shin Bet Eliminate Hamas Operations Chief Who Held Hostage Omer Shem Tov
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The IDF and Shin Bet eliminated Hamas operations chief Gamal Abu Said, who held hostage Omer Shem Tov, in an airstrike in Gaza City on Sunday. Separately, the IDF killed Nukhba terrorist Sabai Zehir Abdul Hamid Abu Hasna, who had held Shem Tov hostage. Shem Tov, released in January, has shared his experiences, including maintaining Jewish rituals during captivity and enduring 50 days in isolation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hamas operations chief Gamal Abu Said, who held Omer Shem Tov hostage, was killed by IDF and Shin Bet.
- Nukhba terrorist Sabai Zehir Abdul Hamid Abu Hasna, who held Shem Tov hostage, was also eliminated by the IDF.
- Omer Shem Tov maintained Jewish rituals, including Kiddush, during his captivity.
- Shem Tov endured 50 days in complete darkness and isolation in a small cell.
- Shem Tov was released in late January as part of the first hostage deal.
The IDF and Shin Bet announced Wednesday the elimination of Gamal Abu Said, identified as the head of operations in Hamas's military intelligence. Abu Said was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City on Sunday, according to a joint statement from the military and the security agency. During the recent war, Abu Said held hostage Omer Shem Tov. He had served in senior roles within Hamas for years, responsible for training military operatives outside the Gaza Strip and for the organization's connections with various countries. He was also involved in planning terror attacks against Israeli forces and civilians and worked to restore Hamas's capabilities.
In a separate incident, the IDF confirmed it eliminated Sabai Zehir Abdul Hamid Abu Hasna, a Nukhba terrorist who had held Shem Tov hostage and forced him to kiss his head during a humiliating release ceremony. Abu Hasna participated in the October 7th massacre and subsequently held Shem Tov captive. He was targeted in a precision strike in northern Gaza after attempting to advance further terror plots against IDF forces.
Omer Shem Tov, who was released in the first hostage deal in late January, has been sharing his experiences. He recently visited the Rebbe of Lubavitch in New York with other former hostages. During his captivity, Shem Tov managed to perform Kiddush every Shabbat for two months using a small bottle of grape juice given to him by a Hamas operative. He described harrowing details of his 50 days held in complete darkness in a small cell, experiencing extreme hunger and isolation. Shem Tov recounted a turning point where he surrendered to God, leading to a routine of meditation and vivid imagination. Since his release, he has spoken about resilience and faith, including addressing a delegation of American Christian leaders.
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