The operation is not complete: forces continue to search for the terrorists

June 30, 2014   

The operation has not yet been completed: Security forces continue to search for the two Hamas terrorists identified as responsible for the kidnapping – Marwan Qawasmeh, 29, and Amr Abu Ayyash, 33.

The day after the kidnapping, the Shin Bet identified the two as the ones responsible for the kidnapping.

During the 17 days that have passed since then, searches were conducted in their homes in Hebron, and several members of the 'Qawasma' clan were arrested - a large clan that lives in Hebron and is involved in acts of terror and organizing the intifadas.

Last night, Palestinian media reported that the IDF arrested Omar Abu Aisha, the father of Amer Abu Aisha, who is suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of the three boys in Judea and Samaria. The father was a former Hamas operative and was arrested by Israel in 1995, after hiding in his house from a Hamas wanted man. According to the report, nine other family members were arrested along with Abu Aisha. The reason for their arrest is unclear and it is unknown whether there is any connection to the kidnapping of the boys.

But despite the efforts, the two terrorists have not been found, and the search continues. It is estimated that both are still in the Hebron area and have not moved far from the scene, and that they are being helped in hiding by their families, who control large parts of Hebron.

At the same time, clashes were recorded between Palestinians and IDF forces in the Halhul area, where the bodies of the boys were found. All entrances to Hebron were blocked. About 200 Palestinians threw stones at security forces, who responded with riot control measures.

Several dozen settlers gathered at the entrance to Karme Tzur, near Halhul, waving Israeli flags and blocking Palestinian vehicle traffic on Highway 60.

Central Command Major General Nitzan Alon told the media: "A few hours ago we located three bodies west of Halhul, although the identification has not yet been completed, I want to send a warm hug to the families. Forces from the Kfir and Maglan units, with the assistance of residents from the area, found the bodies today.".

""Even at this hour, thousands of soldiers and commanders continue their mission. From our perspective, the mission is not over. The forces, together with the police and the Shin Bet, continue the mission to locate the kidnappers from the Hamas organization. We will not rest or be silent until the mission is completed." Alon added: "Residents of the area provided support and assistance to the security forces, which helped the mission.".

In response to the question of whether the security forces have information about the location of the Hamas terrorists responsible for the kidnapping, Alon said: "We have a lot of information that the Shin Bet brought. I will not go into the details of the investigation.".

Regarding the demolition of the terrorists' homes, Alon said: "Everything is his problem. Right now we are focused on the mission, we will continue to fight terror by any legal means we find appropriate and to deter Hamas.".

This evening, the political-security cabinet met and discussed ways to respond to the murder, and further actions in Judea and Samaria.