Reports: Body of Hamas operative who killed Border Police officer in 2021 found in Gaza

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Barel Hadaria Shmueli, a Border Police officer who was shot dead by a Gaza gunman at the border in August 2021 (Courtesy)
Barel Hadaria Shmueli, a Border Police officer who was shot dead by a Gaza gunman at the border in August 2021 (Courtesy)

Reports in Palestinian media claim that the Hamas operative who killed Border Police officer Staff Sgt. Barel Hadaria Shmueli during a riot on the Gaza border in August 2021 was killed during fighting in Jabalia.

The reports identify the operative as Muhammad Maher Abu Jasser, and say his body was recently found during the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The military and Shin Bet have not yet confirmed the details.

On August 21, 2021, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip held a large demonstration along the Gaza border, near the defunct Karni Crossing. At one point during the demonstration, dozens of rioters rushed the border barrier, up to a hole in the concrete wall that was being used by Israeli snipers as a firing position.

One man, apparently Abu Jasser, armed with a gun, approached the hole in the wall, stuck his pistol through it, and fired three times. One of these shots struck Shmueli in the head, critically wounding him. He died of his injury days later.

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