Hamas Terrorist Who Held Emily Damari Hostage Killed in Gaza Airstrike

Muhammad Nasr Ali Quneita, a Hamas terrorist who infiltrated Israel during the October 7, 2023 attack and held British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari in his home, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on June 19, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet. Quneita was a member of Hamas's Al-Furqan Battalion military intelligence unit and participated in the brutal massacre that took place during the invasion. Damari, who was released in January 2025 after 417 days in captivity, suffered severe injuries including the loss of two fingers and was treated for wounds sustained during her captivity. She responded to Quneita’s killing by calling it a step toward justice but emphasized that true victory will come when the remaining hostages, including her close friends Gali and Ziv Berman, are returned. The IDF continues to target terror operatives and infrastructure in Gaza amid ongoing military operations. Damari’s ordeal and survival have become symbols of resilience in Israeli society.