Israel busts Hamas cell in Hebron over plotting shooting attacks against Israelis

Israel Security Agency broke up a Hamas cell recently that plotted shootings on Israeli targets around Hebron, the Jerusalem Post quoted the intelligence agency as saying on Sunday, marking the third disruption of Hamas terrorism plots in recent weeks.

According to the intelligence agency, a joint operation with the Israeli military led to the arrest in November 2015 of a three-man Hamas terror cell based in Hebron, whose members planned to fire on Israeli traffic on Route 35 near the West Bank city.

Operatives allegedly purchased an M-16 rifle and a handgun. The cell was allegedly headed by Muhammad Ali Kawasme, 38, who recruited members of the cell. Kawasme's brother, Hassam Ali Kawasme, orchestrated the kidnap and murder attack on three Israeli teenagers in June 2014 in the Hebron area.

Kawasme was joined by Imad Hashamun, 32, a Hamas operative, who served time in prison for past Hamas activities, and two additional Hamas members named by the Shin Bet at Amar Awiwi, 29, and Hasam Hashalmun, 24, according to the investigation.

During questioning by the Israel Security Agency, it emerged that the suspects drove along Route 35 on a number of occasions to locate the best place to fire on Israeli vehicles, and purchased firearms during their preparations.

Source: MENA