Who was Salah Shehade, and what was his significance in the Palestinian militant movement?

Salah Mustafa Muhammad Shehade was a Palestinian militant and political leader, known for his role as a member of the Islamist movement Hamas. He served as the leader of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas, until his assassination by Israel.

What were Salah Shehade's birth and death dates, and where was he born and died?

Salah Shehade was born on February 24, 1953, in Beit Hanoun, Gaza. He died on July 22, 2002, at the age of 49, in Gaza City, Gaza, as a result of an Israeli assassination.

What was Salah Shehade's nationality and political affiliation?

Salah Shehade was of Palestinian nationality and was affiliated with the political party Hamas, an Islamist movement that also has a military wing.

What was Salah Shehade's primary occupation or role within Hamas?

Salah Shehade's primary occupation was that of a military commander and politician. He specifically led the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.

During what period did Salah Shehade serve as the Commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades?

Salah Shehade served as the Commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades from September to December 1998, and then continuously from December 1998 until his death on July 22, 2002.

Who were Salah Shehade's predecessor and successor as Commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades?

Salah Shehade was preceded in his role as Commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades by Yahya Ayash. He was succeeded by Mohammed Deif.

When did Salah Shehade join Hamas, and how quickly did he become an influential leader?

Salah Shehade became a member of Hamas upon the group's formation in 1987. He quickly rose to become one of its most influential leaders, demonstrating a rapid ascent within the organization.

What were Salah Shehade's early arrests by Israeli authorities?

Salah Shehade was arrested twice by Israeli authorities in his early career, first in 1984 and again in 1988, indicating early involvement in activities that led to his detention.

How did Salah Shehade rise to a top leadership position within Hamas after 1996?

After the death of Yahya Ayash in 1996, Salah Shehade became a top leader within Hamas, alongside Mohammed Deif and Adnan al-Ghoul, filling a significant void in the organization's command structure.

What specific activities was Salah Shehade accused of masterminding during the Al-Aqsa Intifada?

During the Al-Aqsa Intifada, a major Palestinian uprising, Israel accused Salah Shehade of masterminding several attacks. These attacks targeted both Israeli soldiers and civilians within the Gaza Strip and in Israel proper.

What was the outcome of Salah Shehade's prison sentence before his final release?

Salah Shehade was given a twelve-year prison sentence, but he was subsequently released on May 14, 2000, prior to his assassination.

What was Salah Shehade's reported involvement in the production and smuggling of military equipment?

Salah Shehade was reportedly involved in the production of Qassam rockets, which are homemade projectiles fired against Israeli civilian targets, and other homemade weapons. He was also implicated in the smuggling of military equipment into Gaza.

What was the broader impact of Salah Shehade's leadership of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades?

As the leader of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Salah Shehade oversaw a period characterized by a campaign of suicide attacks against Israeli civilian targets, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israeli civilians. He was responsible for defining the policy of terror attacks by Hamas and overseeing its field commanders in Gaza and the West Bank.

When and by what means was Salah Shehade assassinated?

Salah Shehade was assassinated on July 22, 2002. The Israeli Defense Forces targeted the house where he was living in the al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City, using a one-ton bomb dropped by an F-16 plane.

What was the immediate physical impact of the assassination strike on the surrounding area?

The assassination strike resulted in significant destruction, with eight houses completely destroyed, nine partially destroyed, and an additional twenty houses damaged in the al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City.

Who were among the casualties of the attack that killed Salah Shehade?

The attack killed fifteen people, including Salah Shehade, his wife, and his daughter. Additionally, seven members of the Matar family, who lived in the adjacent house, were killed, and seven children were among the total fatalities.

How many people were injured as a result of the assassination attack?

As a result of the assassination attack, between 50 and 150 people were injured, indicating a significant number of non-fatal casualties in addition to those killed.

How did various international entities react to Salah Shehade's assassination?

The attack that killed Salah Shehade received widespread condemnation from other Middle Eastern nations, Western Europe, and the United States, highlighting international disapproval of the operation.

What was Ariel Sharon's initial and subsequent reaction to the assassination?

Ariel Sharon, the Israeli Prime Minister at the time, initially praised the assassination as 'one of our greatest successes.' However, he later expressed regret, stating to Yediot Ahronot that had he known the outcome, he would have postponed the assassination, indicating a shift in his public stance after the civilian casualties became known.

What was Hady Amr's perspective on the impact of the assassination on the Arab World's youth?

Hady Amr commented that the assassination would have a lasting impact on the youth of the Arab World. He stated that 150 million children and youth in the Arab World, who have televisions, would 'never, never forget what the Israeli people, the Israeli military and Israeli democracy have done to Palestinian children.'

How did human rights organizations characterize the attack that killed Salah Shehade?

Human rights organizations globally, including those in Israel, severely criticized the attack. They proclaimed that intentionally dropping a one-ton bomb in the middle of the night on a dense civilian neighborhood was equivalent to a war crime, which is a serious violation of the laws of war.

What action did the Gush Shalom movement threaten to take regarding the pilot involved in the bombing?

The Gush Shalom movement, an Israeli peace activist group, threatened to turn the pilot responsible for dropping the bomb over to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, a principal judicial organ of the United Nations that settles legal disputes between states.

What was Israeli Air Force chief Dan Halutz's message to his pilots regarding the operation?

Israeli Air Force chief Dan Halutz told his pilots that they could 'sleep well at night' because they were not the ones who chose the targets or were responsible for the contents of the target. He affirmed that their execution was 'perfect' and 'superb,' and that they did exactly what they were instructed to do without deviation.

How did Dan Halutz respond when asked about the morality of the operation and the feelings of a pilot dropping a bomb?

When questioned about the operation's morality due to civilian casualties, Halutz asserted that the planning included moral consideration and that a mistake or accident did not negate this. Regarding a pilot's feelings when dropping a bomb, he stated it was 'not a legitimate question' but then answered, 'I feel a light bump to the plane as a result of the bomb's release. A second later it's gone, and that's all. That is what I feel.'

What was Dan Halutz's opinion on left-wing groups criticizing the pilots involved in the assassination?

Dan Halutz denounced the left-wing groups that criticized the pilots, referring to them as 'bleeding hearts' who used 'Mafioso methods of blackmail against fighters.' He questioned if this was the public the Israel Defense Forces was fighting for and called for them to be tried for 'treason.'

What did Dan Halutz suggest should happen to members of the Gush Shalom group who made critical comments?

Dan Halutz suggested that members of the Gush Shalom group who made critical comments should be placed on trial in Israel, stating that authorities needed to 'find the right clause in the law' to do so. He equated their actions to informing on another part of the nation, reminiscent of 'dark times in the history of the Jewish people.'

What were the findings of the joint inquiry by the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet into the assassination incident?

A joint inquiry by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet (Israel's internal security service) concluded that the operational procedures and assessments followed in the Shehade assassination were 'correct and professional.' It also found that the operation successfully eliminated a 'major terrorist leader.'

What shortcomings did the IDF and Shin Bet inquiry identify in the assassination operation?

The IDF and Shin Bet inquiry identified shortcomings in the intelligence available and the analysis of intelligence concerning the presence of civilians near Shehade. The inquiry stated that if the intelligence had indicated with certainty the presence of civilians, the timing or method of the action would have been changed, as had been done previously.

When and by whom was a class-action lawsuit filed concerning targeted killings, specifically referencing the Shehade killing?

In December 2005, a class-action lawsuit was filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights. The lawsuit named former Shin Bet director Avraham Dichter, who was the military chief in charge of the operation, as the sole defendant.

What allegations were made in the class-action lawsuit against former Shin Bet director Avraham Dichter?

The class-action lawsuit alleged that Avraham Dichter 'developed, implemented and escalated the practice of targeted killings.' Citing the deaths of over 300 Palestinian leaders and hundreds of bystanders, the suit claimed that assassination is illegal under international law.

What legal development occurred in 2007 regarding the civilian deaths in the Shehade assassination?

In 2007, the Israeli State Prosecutor's Office announced that an independent commission of inquiry would be held to investigate the deaths of the 14 innocent Palestinian civilians. This decision followed a petition by the Israeli peace group Yesh Gvul.

Who headed the independent commission of inquiry into the civilian deaths, and when were its findings released?

The independent commission of inquiry into the civilian deaths was headed by Zvi Inbar. The commission began its work in February 2008, and its findings were officially released to the public in February 2011.

What were the key findings of the Zvi Inbar commission regarding the assassination?

The Zvi Inbar commission found an 'intelligence gathering failure' but 'no premeditated intention to kill civilians.' It reported that commanders were unaware of innocent people in the building at the time of the strike and would have called off the operation had they known.

When did Spain's National Audience begin a war crimes probe into the attack, and who were among the persons investigated?

In January 2009, the National Audience, a special high court in Spain, initiated a war crimes probe into the attack that killed Shehade. Among the persons investigated were Mofaz, Dichter, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Moshe Ya'alon, Doron Almog, Giora Eiland, and Mike Herzog.

Why did Israeli MK Moshe Ya'alon cancel a trip to the United Kingdom in 2009?

Israeli Member of Knesset (MK) Moshe Ya'alon, who was the Chief of Staff at the time of the bombing, canceled a trip to the United Kingdom on October 5, 2009. He did so because he feared an arrest on war crimes charges related to the 2002 killing of Salah Shehade.

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Overview

Biographical Sketch

Salah Mustafa Muhammad Shehade, also known as Shehadeh or Shahadeh, was a prominent Palestinian militant and political leader. Born on February 24, 1953, in Beit Hanoun, Gaza, he became a central figure within the Islamist movement Hamas. His career was marked by his leadership of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, a role he held until his death on July 22, 2002, in Gaza City. Shehade's life and actions are often viewed through the lens of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the profound complexities of the region's political and military landscape.

Leadership in Hamas

Shehade's influence within Hamas grew significantly from its formation in 1987. He ascended to a leadership position within the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, serving as its commander from September to December 1998 and then continuously until his assassination in July 2002. In this capacity, he succeeded Yahya Ayash and was a key leader alongside Mohammed Deif and Adnan al-Ghoul. His role involved strategic direction and oversight of military operations, making him a critical figure in the organization's activities during a highly volatile period.

Activities

Rise to Prominence

Shehade's journey within Hamas began with the group's inception in 1987, quickly establishing him as an influential leader. His early activism led to arrests by Israeli authorities in 1984 and 1988. Following the death of Yahya Ayash in 1996, Shehade, alongside Mohammed Deif and Adnan al-Ghoul, emerged as a top leader within the organization, shaping its strategic direction and operational capabilities.

Operational Command

During the Al-Aqsa Intifada, Shehade was accused by Israel of orchestrating numerous attacks against both Israeli military personnel and civilians within the Gaza Strip and Israel proper. He was imprisoned for twelve years but was released on May 14, 2000. Reports indicate his involvement in the manufacturing of Qassam rockets, which were launched against Israeli civilian targets, and other homemade weaponry. Furthermore, he was implicated in the smuggling of military equipment into Gaza, underscoring his central role in Hamas's military infrastructure. As the leader of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, he was responsible for overseeing Hamas field commanders in both Gaza and the West Bank, and for formulating the organization's policy regarding terror attacks, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israeli civilians.

Assassination

The Targeted Strike

On July 22, 2002, Salah Shehade was killed in a targeted operation by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). An F-16 aircraft dropped a one-ton bomb on the house where Shehade resided in the al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City. This precision strike aimed to eliminate a key figure in Hamas's military leadership, but its execution had significant collateral consequences.

Civilian Casualties

The bombing resulted in widespread destruction and a tragic loss of life among civilians. Eight houses were completely destroyed, nine were partially damaged, and an additional twenty structures sustained damage. The attack killed fifteen people, including Shehade, his wife, and his daughter. Seven members of the neighboring Matar family also perished, with seven children among the total fatalities. The incident also caused injuries to between 50 and 150 individuals, highlighting the devastating impact of the operation on the civilian population.

Pilot Protest

The operation sparked internal dissent within the Israeli military. Twenty-seven reserve pilots, including Iftach Spector, signed a public letter refusing to participate in assassination sorties over Gaza and the West Bank. This act of protest underscored the ethical dilemmas and moral considerations faced by military personnel involved in such operations, particularly concerning civilian casualties.

Reactions

International Condemnation

The assassination of Salah Shehade and the resulting civilian deaths drew widespread condemnation from various international bodies and nations. Middle Eastern countries, Western European states, and the United States all voiced strong criticism of the operation, reflecting global concern over the proportionality and humanitarian impact of such military actions.

Official Statements

Initially, then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lauded the operation as "one of our greatest successes." However, he later expressed regret in an interview with *Yediot Ahronot*, stating, "Had I known the outcome, I would have postponed the assassination." This shift in sentiment highlighted the complex political and moral calculations involved in targeted operations. Hady Amr, a prominent commentator, also remarked on the profound and lasting impact of the event, noting that "150 million children and youth in the Arab World now have televisions, and they will never, never forget what the Israeli people, the Israeli military and Israeli democracy have done to Palestinian children," emphasizing the deep emotional and psychological repercussions across the region.

Legal

War Crime Allegations

Human rights organizations globally, including those within Israel, severely criticized the attack. They asserted that intentionally dropping a one-ton bomb in a densely populated civilian neighborhood during the night constituted a war crime. The Israeli Gush Shalom movement went further, threatening to refer the pilot involved to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, underscoring the gravity of the legal and ethical concerns raised by the operation.

Halutz's Controversial Stance

In response to the criticism, Israeli Air Force chief Dan Halutz, though abroad during the bombing, defended the pilots' actions in an interview with *Haaretz* on August 21, 2002. He assured his pilots they could "sleep well at night," stating their "execution was perfect" and they were not responsible for target selection. When questioned about a pilot's feelings when dropping a bomb, Halutz controversially replied, "I feel a light bump to the plane as a result of the bomb's release. A second later it's gone, and that's all." He also denounced left-wing groups as "traitors" for attacking the pilots, suggesting they should be tried for treason for undermining the state's protection of its fighters.

Official Inquiries

Following the incident, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet conducted a joint inquiry, submitting their findings on August 2, 2002. The inquiry concluded that operational procedures were "correct and professional" and that a "major terrorist leader" was eliminated. However, it acknowledged "shortcomings in the intelligence available" regarding the presence of civilians, stating that if civilian presence had been known with certainty, the timing or method would have been altered. In December 2005, the Center for Constitutional Rights filed a class-action lawsuit against former Shin Bet director Avraham Dichter, alleging that he "developed, implemented and escalated the practice of targeted killings," which the suit claimed was illegal under international law. In 2007, the Israeli State Prosecutor's Office initiated an independent commission of inquiry, headed by Zvi Inbar, to examine the deaths of the fourteen innocent Palestinian civilians. Its 2011 findings reported an "intelligence gathering failure" but "no premeditated intention to kill civilians," asserting commanders were unaware of civilians in the building.

International Legal Pursuit

In January 2009, the National Audience, a special high court in Spain, initiated a war crimes probe into the Shehade attack. The investigation targeted several Israeli officials, including Mofaz, Dichter, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Moshe Ya'alon, Doron Almog, Giora Eiland, and Mike Herzog. While a lower court initially ordered an inquiry, the Spanish Court of Appeals rejected this decision, and in April 2010, the Supreme Court of Spain upheld the Court of Appeals' ruling against conducting an official inquiry into the IDF's targeted killing of Shehade. The international legal scrutiny had practical implications, as evidenced by Israeli MK Moshe Ya'alon canceling a trip to the United Kingdom on October 5, 2009, due to fears of arrest on war crimes charges related to the 2002 killing.

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References

Journal of Palestine Studies, 116, Volume XXIX, no 4, Summer 2000 by Michele L. Kjorlien of the New York Times (15-17 May 2000), Washington Post (15 May 2000), Washington Jewish Week (18 May 2000).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Salah Shehade Wikipedia page

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Salah Shehade: Navigating the Complexities of a Conflict Leader

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

👤 Biographical Sketch

🎖️ Leadership in Hamas

Activities ⚔️

📈 Rise to Prominence

🚀 Operational Command

Assassination 💥

💣 The Targeted Strike

💔 Civilian Casualties

✈️ Pilot Protest

Reactions 🗣️

🌐 International Condemnation

💬 Official Statements

Legal ⚖️

⚖️ War Crime Allegations

🎙️ Halutz's Controversial Stance

🔍 Official Inquiries

🌍 International Legal Pursuit

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Biographical Sketch

Leadership in Hamas

Activities

Rise to Prominence

Operational Command

Assassination

The Targeted Strike

Civilian Casualties

Pilot Protest

Reactions

International Condemnation

Official Statements

Legal

War Crime Allegations

Halutz's Controversial Stance

Official Inquiries

International Legal Pursuit

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice