Tel Aviv: Seven senior Hamas terrorists, all of whom were released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and subsequently deported to Gaza, were killed in an Israeli airstrike last week, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Monday.

These targeted operatives were identified as key members of Hamas's Judea and Samaria "headquarters," responsible for recruiting individuals and coordinating attacks from Gaza into Judea and Samaria. Among those eliminated were Riyad Asila and Bassem Abu Sanina, who were convicted of the 1998 stabbing murder of Israeli civilian Haim Kerman in Jerusalem. Both had been serving lengthy prison sentences before being freed as part of the deal that saw Israel release 1,027 security prisoners for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. After their deportation to Gaza, both men immediately resumed active operational roles within Hamas, with Asila joining the "Jerusalem Department" to direct terrorist activity from Gaza back into Israel.

Another major figure killed in the strike was Mahmoud Saria, who had been convicted for the 1996 stabbing attack that killed IDF Staff Sgt. Ehud (Udi) Tal. Like the others, Saria had returned to terrorist activities following his release and exile. The Shin Bet confirmed that all seven eliminated operatives had a history of involvement in deadly attacks during the Second Intifada and were serving life sentences prior to their release. The agency stated that upon their deportation to Gaza, they joined Hamas's West Bank Headquarters, facilitating attacks by transferring weapons and funds. The statement underscored their "long record of murderous activity" and continued support for Hamas's war efforts from Gaza.

This strike follows other recent high-profile eliminations of Hamas leaders. Muhammad Adin, commander of Hamas's Daraj Tuffah battalion, was also reportedly killed in an IDF strike northeast of Gaza City, accompanied by other senior commanders. His death comes after the recent elimination of three other top Hamas figures: Muhammad Sinwar (brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar), Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabana, and Hakam al-Issa, described by the IDF as a founding figure and head of combat support operations.

The ongoing conflict stems from Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,180 people and the capture of 252 Israelis and foreigners. Of the approximately 50 hostages believed to remain, around 30 are thought to be deceased.

With inputs from ANI