Longtime Hamas operative killed after returning to terror following release in Shalit exchange.
In a joint operation conducted last week, the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet eliminated Basam Hashem al-Fatah Himouni, a senior Hamas operative responsible for some of the deadliest attacks of the early 2000s.
Himouni, originally from Hebron, played a central role in Hamas’ terror infrastructure for over two decades. He orchestrated the dispatch of suicide bombers who carried out the August 2004 double bus bombing in Be’er Sheva, killing 16 civilians and wounding approximately 100 others.
Arrested shortly after the attack, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in 2011 he was released as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and deported to Gaza.
Returned To Terror
Following his release, security officials say Himouni resumed terrorist activity, recruiting operatives and directing attacks. During the current war, he was reportedly involved in producing and planting explosive devices targeting Israeli forces operating in Gaza.
According to the joint statement, his elimination delivers what officials described as “important and meaningful closure” for victims and families affected by his past attacks.
Israeli security forces reaffirmed their commitment to pursue and neutralize any individual seeking to advance terrorist operations against the State of Israel and its citizens.
