Watch: Third terrorist behind deadly Funduq terror attack eliminated in IDF Operation

Israeli security forces have eliminated Mohammad Zakarana, the third member of the Islamic Jihad terror cell responsible for the deadly shooting attack in Kafr Funduq that occurred approximately three and a half months ago. Zakarana was located in Qabatiya, where he had been hiding alongside another terrorist in a cave near Kafr Misilyah in northern Samaria.

The operation, conducted by elite YAMAM counterterrorism forces, involved a coordinated strike using both drone surveillance and helmet-mounted cameras. Footage released by the police shows the moment the terrorists opened fire on the Israeli forces. The soldiers returned heavy fire, including launching a Matador shoulder-fired missile into the cave where the terrorists were hiding, ultimately eliminating Zakarana and his accomplice.

The second terrorist killed during the operation was identified as Muroh Hazmiya, an Islamic Jihad member from Qabatiya. Hazmiya had previously been released as part of the first hostage deal in November 2023 but had since become wanted again for involvement in planning terror attacks.

Weapons, ammunition, bulletproof vests, and other military equipment were found on the bodies of the two terrorists. Several additional suspects who were believed to have assisted the terrorists were also arrested during the raid. They were found with pistols in their possession and have been handed over to the Shin Bet for further questioning.

Zakarana's elimination comes after months of manhunt efforts. The first two members of the terror cell were killed in a January operation during which an IDF soldier was moderately wounded and later evacuated for medical care.

The Kafr Funduq attack claimed the lives of three Israeli civilians and injured eight others. The victims included Elad Winklestein, a 35-year-old father of two and a police investigator from Ariel; Rachel Cohen, 73, a guidance counselor and mother of five; and Aliza Reiss, 69, a close friend of Cohen’s and one of the founders of the Kedumim community. Reiss was just days away from celebrating her 70th birthday.

The successful operation marks the conclusion of a months-long pursuit for justice following one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent months.