Senior Hamas operative killed after holding Israeli soldiers captive

Israeli forces have eliminated a senior Hamas member who participated in the kidnapping of Captain Daniel Perez and held three other soldiers in captivity before their deaths. The operative, whose identity has not been fully disclosed, was responsible for detaining soldiers Yosef Almog, Oren Goldin and Sagui Dekelbaum during their time as prisoners of war in Gaza.

The three soldiers were subsequently killed whilst in Hamas custody. Their bodies remained in Gaza for an extended period before being recovered. The deaths of the soldiers marked a significant tragedy for the Israeli military and their families, who endured months of uncertainty regarding their whereabouts and condition.

The operation to eliminate the operative comes as part of Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza targeting those responsible for the October 2023 attacks and the subsequent hostage situation. Israeli intelligence had been tracking the militant’s movements and role within Hamas’s military infrastructure for some time.

The operation represents another step in Israel’s efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the deaths of Israeli personnel. The military has made targeting senior Hamas operatives involved in the abduction and detention of soldiers a key priority in its broader counter-terrorism campaign.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.