IDF Eliminates Senior Hamas Intelligence Official Who Held Israeli Hostage Omer Shem Tov

The IDF and Shin Bet announced Wednesday evening that they had eliminated Jamal Abu Said, a senior Hamas intelligence official, in an airstrike carried out in Gaza City on Sunday.

According to a joint statement issued by the two security agencies, Abu Said served as head of the Operations Department within the intelligence division of Hamas's military wing. During the war, he held Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov in Hamas captivity.

The IDF said Abu Said had held several senior positions within the terrorist organization over the years. His responsibilities included training military operatives outside the Gaza Strip, commanding an anti-tank battalion, and overseeing specialized military training within Hamas's Central Camps Brigade.

In his intelligence role, Abu Said was also responsible for maintaining contacts between Hamas and various countries. The IDF described him as a significant source of operational knowledge and expertise for the organization.

According to the statement, Abu Said continued to plan and advance attacks against Israeli forces and civilians throughout the war, particularly in recent months. He was also involved in efforts to rebuild Hamas's military capabilities, which the Israeli security agencies said constituted systematic violations of the ceasefire.

The IDF and Shin Bet said Abu Said was targeted in an aerial strike to eliminate the threat he posed.