Hamas terrorist who forced hostage to kiss him eliminated by the IDF

Shem Tov later described his months in Hamas captivity, including threats to his life when he refused to participate in attacks on Israeli soldiers.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The Hamas terrorist who forced freed hostage Omer Shem Tov to kiss his forehead during a February release ceremony was killed in Dir al-Balah on Tuesday, according to sources linked to Hamas. The terrorist, Ghassan Salot, had previously been identified by Shem Tov in a widely reported incident that highlighted the humiliation hostages endured in captivity.

Shem Tov later described his months in Hamas captivity, including threats to his life when he refused to participate in attacks on Israeli soldiers.

“They told me: ‘When the soldiers enter the house, you detonate.’ I told them no. They threatened to shoot me in the head—I said, ‘So shoot,’” he recalled.

Meanwhile, the IDF confirmed on Wednesday that it has launched the first stage of its Gaza City operation. Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin, the IDF spokesman, said Israeli forces now control the outskirts of the city.

He also announced that 60,000 conscription letters are being sent this week, with another 20,000 to follow later in the month.

Defrin stressed that the army is preparing evacuation routes and safe zones for Gazan civilians to receive aid and medical care.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz are expected Thursday to approve operational plans for the conquest of Gaza City.

The meeting comes as Egypt and Qatar push a Hamas-backed proposal for a partial deal involving the release of 10 living hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire.

Netanyahu has directed the military to “shorten the timeline for taking control of the last terrorist strongholds and defeating Hamas.”

Mediating officials told The Jerusalem Post that the framework closely matches one Israel had accepted weeks ago. “Yes, there are gaps, but they can be bridged within days,” one official said.

Defrin also addressed an incident in Khan Yunis, where IDF troops thwarted an attempt by more than 15 terrorists to storm a post. The military is investigating the incident.