IDF eliminates Hamas terrorist responsible for murder of 16 Israelis, who was deported to Gaza in 2011 Shalit deal
Israeli troops this week eliminated a senior Hamas leader who had been deported to Gaza as part of the 2011 Shalit exchange deal, after serving seven years in an Israeli prison for being responsible for the murder of 16 Israeli civilians, the IDF stated.
Basel (Basem) al-Hashim Abd al-Fattah Himoni was responsible for the Beersheba bombings in 2004, sending several suicide bombers to carry out a double attack on two buses that killed sixteen and wounded over 100 others.
"Originally from Hebron, Himoni had operated since 2004 as part of a military cell that carried out deadly attacks in Israel," the IDF said.
"In a joint Shin Bet and IDF operation in October 2004, Himoni was arrested and later sentenced to prison. In 2011, he was released as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal and deported to the Gaza Strip. Since his release, the terrorist resumed recruiting attackers and directing terrorist activity."
"During the war, as part of his role in Hamas, he was involved in manufacturing and planting explosive devices targeting Israeli forces," according to the military.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
