The ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) on Thursday 27 Nissan announced the arrest of a veteran Hamas terrorist who has been active in his murderous trade for at least ten years. During his interrogation they learned he is also involved in constructing tunnels from Gaza to Israel.

Mahmud Atuna, 28, from Jabalya is a member of Hamas’ military wing. He was taken into custody in the beginning of April 2016. He was caught crossing into southern Israel and found to be carrying two knives. During interrogation he reportedly admitted to planning to murder IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.

In the bigger picture, he gave ISA interrogators significant information pertaining to Hamas terror tunnels and the operation, and how Hamas uses private homes as well as institutions to cover the entrances in Gaza. He explains the vast network and how tunnels include rooms to rest, showers and even eating areas – all towards improving conditions for Hamas terrorists. He also furnished names of terrorists involved in the unit with him.

The ISA release adds they learned a great deal of weapons and ammunition are held in his home together with bomb belts. An indictment was already filed against him in an IDF Southern District Court.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)