IDF eliminates Hamas terrorist who took Emily Damari captive

Emily Damari, who was freed in January, was kidnapped from her home in Kfar Aza during Hamas’ invasion of southern Israel.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The IDF announced on Monday that on June 19, its forces eliminated a Hamas terrorist who confined ex-hostage Emily Damari in his home at the beginning of the war in Gaza.

The IDF and ISA targeted Muhammad Nasr Ali Quneita, a terrorist in Hamas’ Al-Furqan Battalions’ military intelligence in Gaza City.

Emily Damari, who was freed earlier in the year, was kidnapped from her home in Kfar Aza during Hamas’ invasion of southern Israel.

During the attack on October 7, Damari was shot in the leg and hand and lost two of her fingers before being taken captive. Her dog was also shot and killed.

“The IDF and ISA will continue operating against the terrorists who took part in the brutal October 7 massacre,” the military stated.

Damari, whose injuries inspired the widely recognized hand gesture expressing solidarity with hostages, recounts medical neglect and inadequate care for her severe wounds during her captivity in Gaza but says she is making significant progress since her release.

“Hamas provided me with no medical treatment except for an expired bottle of iodine and some bandages,” she said.

The lack of basic medical care and even clean water makes the fact that she didn’t suffer from a fatal infection a medical miracle, her mother, Mandy, said, adding that her daughter was “stitched up like a cushion.”

In an Instagram post, Damari shared more details of her first moments in Gaza and her recovery since her release.

“‘Hi, I’m Dr. Hamas,’ that’s what the doctor at Shifa [Hospital] told me before my ‘surgery.’

Seventeen months later, Damari received proper medical attention for her injuries at the Sheba Medical Center.

She said at the time, “I am truly at peace with my injury. I know there’s still a long road to recovery, but this time, I’m surrounded by family and friends who love me—that’s what matters. I am proud of my disability, and with it, I will win.”