IDF kills Hamas militant

JERUSALEM, May 1 (UPI) -- Israeli defense officials say a Hamas operative allegedly involved with the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit has been killed.

The Israeli army announced a joint operation between the Israel Defense Force and the Israel Securities Authority targeted and killed Nafez Manzur in the Southern Gaza Strip region, the Israel Defense Force reported.

Manzur was allegedly involved with the July 2006 Hamas kidnapping of Gilad Shalit and the killing of two Israeli soldiers in Kerem Shalom, Israel. Israeli officials say Manzur was also involved in other Hamas terror operations including a group that planned the recent suicide bombing attack at the Kerem Shalom, Israeli-Egyptian crossing.

IDF officials say Manzur was also involved in planning other attacks and firing rockets at Israel. According to the Jerusalem Post, Hamas officials have verified Manzur's identity and have vowed revenge for his death.