A Hamas terrorist released by Israel in a hostage deal 14 years ago is behind the group’s attacks inside Israel, according to a report by Israel’s national broadcaster.
On Tuesday, Kan reported that Hamas’ terror operations against Israel in Judea and Samaria are now being largely directed from abroad by Ayman Abu Khalil, a senior member of the terrorist group who is now living in exile in Turkey.
Abu Khalil, 53, was part of a terror cell organized by Mohammed Deif that abducted and murdered two hitchhiking IDF soldiers in April and July of 1994, including Shahar Simani and Aryeh Frankenthal.
After his arrest in December 1994, Abu Khalil was imprisoned for more than 16 years before being released as part of the 2011 deal securing the return of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
The Shalit agreement resulted in Abu Khalil’s forced exile to Turkey. A report on Tuesday, unsurprisingly suggested that he recommenced his terrorist activities with Hamas subsequent to his release. This situation illustrates the persistent, “revolving door” cycle of malevolence that Israel’s hostage agreements, including the current one, have been unsuccessful in mitigating. The potential efficacy of a ceasefire and the 20-Point peace plan in resolving this persistent issue remains to be seen.