Hamas Operations Chief Who Held Israeli Hostage Killed in Gaza Airstrike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet announced on Wednesday the elimination of Gamal Abu Said, identified as the head of operations in the Military Intelligence of the Hamas terror organization. Abu Said was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City on Sunday.

During the recent war, Abu Said held Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov. He had served in senior roles within Hamas over the years, including training military operatives outside the Gaza Strip, commanding an anti-tank missile battalion, and overseeing military specializations within Hamas's central camps brigade. He was also responsible for Hamas's communication with various countries and was a significant knowledge source for the organization.

According to the joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet spokespersons, Abu Said had been promoting terror plans against IDF forces and Israeli civilians throughout the war, particularly recently. He worked to restore Hamas's capabilities, systematically violating the ceasefire.

Omer Shem Tov, who was held captive by Hamas during the war, was eventually released. He recently visited the Rebbe of Lubavitch's grave in New York with other former hostages. While in captivity, Shem Tov managed to perform Kiddush every Shabbat for two months using a small bottle of grape juice given to him by a terrorist.

Security forces are deployed in the area according to the agreement and will continue to act to remove any threat, the official statement concluded.