Israel Reveals Identity of Hamas Kidnappers

Israel has published the names of Hamas terrorists who kidnapped three Israeli teens in Judea and Samaria two weeks ago. The terrorists are Marwan Kawasme and Amer Abu Aysha, Hamas operatives from Hebron.

Marwan Kawasme

Less than a day after the kidnapping, the Israel Security Agency (ISA or Shin Bet Security Service) revealed that Hamas carried out the kidnapping of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel, three teenagers from Judea and Samaria. Since then, Israeli forces have continued an extensive search for the two men, with the chief objective of locating the three boys.

Israeli authorities arrested Kawasme several times for his crimes as a member of the Hamas terrorist organization. He was imprisoned for the first time at age 18 and spent ten months in custody until August 2004.  After Kawasme’s release, Israel detained him again on four occasions.

In 2010, when security forces last investigated Kawasme, he confessed that Hamas’ military wing had recruited him to operate for the organization in Hebron. In 2009, Kawasme participated in Hamas-led military training, attempted to obtain materials for explosives, and helped the terrorist organization recruit new operatives.  In response to these actions, Israel detained Kawasme until March 2012.

Amer Abu Aysha

Israel first arrested Abu Aysha in November 2005. After investigating the terrorist, Israeli authorities transferred him to administrative detention until June 2006. He was arrested again less than a year later.

In November 2005, Abu Aysha’s brother was killed while attempting to hurl an explosive device at IDF soldiers. Israeli authorities arrested his father several times for a range of terror activities.

Following an extensive operation, Israel is holding several suspects in custody for their direct involvement in the attack.