According to initial findings in the Duma fire investigation being conducted by the ISA (Israel Security Agency � Shin Bet) and Israel Police, the latest fire in the PA (Palestinian Authority) village was not an act of terror or a hate crime for the evidence at the scene does not point to arson.

Villagers told Israeli authorities that they heard a window smash and then an explosion, and they are confident that the attack was a second arson attack in the village. In the first case, which is viewed as a hate crime perpetrated by Jews, a number of members of the Darawshe family were killed in the fire.

Despite the claims of a second attack by residents, forensics at the scene does not support the theory that the fire was arson, but rather an unintentional blaze. The investigation is ongoing and a gag order on the details of the case has been issued.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)