Israel Eliminates Senior Hamas Terrorists at Shifa Hospital

Latest Developments

Israeli troops killed two senior Hamas commanders and two other wanted Hamas terrorists during ongoing operations at Shifa Hospital, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on March 30. Raad Thabet, who headed Hamas’s recruitment and acquisition efforts, and Mahmoud Khalil, a deputy commander of Hamas’s rocket unit, were among the dead. Along with other terrorists, they were hiding in the emergency room. The IDF has captured more than 800 suspects and eliminated more than 170 terrorists in battles at Shifa since March 18.

Expert Analysis

“The presence of senior Hamas commanders and veteran Hamas terrorists at Shifa Hospital illustrates how Hamas sought to concentrate its terrorists at the medical compound and use it to hide its terror activities. For two weeks, Hamas terrorists have continued to try to hide in key areas of the medical site, including the emergency room and the maternity ward. It is essential that the IDF receive the support and the time necessary to defeat Hamas in Gaza and prevent Hamas from harming civilian life the way Hamas has done at Shifa and other places.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“The collaboration between intelligence agencies and the military has yielded positive results during the war. Key Hamas figures down to front-line fighters have been eliminated, which has undoubtedly impacted the terror group’s ability to fight on the battlefield. Nevertheless, top leaders like Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif remain elusive, and reaching them is likely the key to reaching Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas in the Gaza Strip.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Two Terrorists Released in Shalit Deal Killed in Shifa Clashes

Two Hamas terrorists who were released in the 2011 deal between Israel and Hamas to free IDF soldier Gilad Shalit were found in Shifa Hospital’s maternity ward and killed in clashes, the IDF said. Fadi Dewik murdered four people in a 2002 terror attack, while Zakariya Najeeb played a role in the 1994 abduction and murder of IDF soldier Nachshon Wachsman. Najeeb was also involved in directing terrorist attacks and facilitating connections for Hamas in the West Bank.

IDF Chief of Staff Praises Success of Shifa Raid

On March 29, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi praised the success of the two-week Israeli military operation at Shifa Hospital, where large numbers of terrorists were hiding. “Almost two weeks, very, very successful, and this is an operation … to plan it in a war, to carry it out in a war, to execute it correctly in a war, [is] very, very complex,” Halevi said during a visit to the facility. “So far, very great achievements … no one can roll back such a large amount of arrested terrorists.” He also said that the IDF would continue to operate in the area after achieving its goals.

“Hamas’s Top Terrorist Leadership,” FDD Insight

“How did 500 terrorists return to Shifa Hospital?” by Seth J. Frantzman

“Israeli Forces Find ‘Large Amount of Military Equipment’ at Shifa Hospital,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Raid on Gaza Hospital Captures Largest Number of Terrorists Since War Began,” FDD Flash Brief

“10 Things to Know About Hamas and Hospitals,” FDD Insight