For years, Israel has been attempting to capture the man responsible for one of the most devastating terror attacks in the country’s history. Now, it appears that he has finally been brought to justice.
It started in 2014 when an attack was launched against a Border Police base in Khan Younis, south of Gaza in Israel. An 11-man cell attacked the base with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and anti-tank missiles, killing four Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. It was the deadliest attack on Israeli security personnel since 2014, and it was swiftly followed by the uncovering of even more attacks.
The mastermind behind the attacks was Mohammed Abu Shamalla, known as the “Butcher of Khan Younis.” He was a top Hamas operative, who had been evading capture for years. But now, he has finally been apprehended by IDF forces.
The capture of Abu Shamalla is a significant victory in the fight against terror in Israel. He had orchestrated some of the deadliest attacks launched against Israel and was believed to have been planning more. He was also suspected of having set up the terror group Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip.
Abu Shamalla was caught in the midst of planning yet another attack, this one against a military base in Israel’s Galilee region. The plan was foiled after Israeli intelligence tracked him down and detained him. His capture is seen as a major breakthrough in the fight against terror in Israel, and he now joins a long list of Hamas and Islamic Jihad members who are in the IDF’s sights.
The apprehension of Abu Shamalla sends a clear message that these types of attacks will not be tolerated in any way, and that the IDF is determined to do whatever it takes to keep the citizens of Israel safe. It is hoped that Abu Shamalla’s capture will serve as a deterrent to other potential terror groups.
For now, Israel can once again feel a sense of relief, and justice has finally been done for the victims of the Khan Younis attack. The Butcher of Khan Younis has been taken into custody, and may no longer pose any further threat to Israeli security.