The terrorist responsible for last week’s deadly shooting near the settlement of Bruchin, in which Tzeela Gez z”l was killed, has been identified and eliminated. Security forces confirmed that Nael Samara, a previously released Hamas prisoner, was killed over the weekend during an operation in his home village of Burqin.
Samara Shot While Charging at Troops with Suspicious Bag
According to the IDF, soldiers from the Ephraim Brigade, operating on intelligence from the Shin Bet (ISA), located Samara during sweeps in Burqin. He was shot and killed on the spot when he ran toward the soldiers carrying a suspicious bag. Upon inspection, forces discovered an M-16 rifle and other combat materials believed to have been used in the shooting that killed Tzeela Gez.
A History of Terror and Incitement
A joint investigation revealed that Samara had served time in prison for terrorist activity as a member of Hamas, and was released in 2010. In 2019, he was detained again briefly for incitement on social media. The Shin Bet and Judea & Samaria Police have since opened a broader investigation to trace potential accomplices.
Cell Leader and Additional Suspects Arrested
Several individuals were arrested during the raid, including the suspected ringleader of the cell responsible for the attack. The ongoing investigation uncovered that the cell is linked to at least three other shooting attacks in recent months—among them a March 12 shooting near Ariel, in which a civilian was moderately injured.
Security Forces: Counterterror Operations Will Continue
In a joint statement, the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling terror networks across Judea and Samaria. The investigation continues, with efforts focused on identifying all operatives and preventing future attacks.
