A Hamas operative provided a treasure trove of intelligence during Israeli interrogation concerning the terrorist group's rebuilding efforts and future terrorist plans, Israel's intelligence agency Shin Bet disclosed on Tuesday.
The terrorist, Ibrahim Adal Shahada Sha'ar, 21, described about Hamas' tunnel reconstruction efforts, planned terrorist attacks against Israel, military strategy, and coordination with Iran, the Jerusalem Post reported.
He admitted working on rebuilding underground tunnels and described how some would be used in future attacks against Israel. Sha'ar disclosed the location of digging sites, tunnel entrances and underground routes, and reportedly said that a road built along the border with Israel is intended partly for terrorist attacks involving vehicles charging into Israeli territory.
He admitted that he stored several 50 kg explosive charges in his home and said that fighters kept explosives and other material in their own homes since Hamas commanders worried that the organization's weapons depots would be targeted by Israel.
Israeli authorities arrested Sha'ar last month at the Erez Crossing after he attempted to enter Israel for "personal or humanitarian reasons." Officers were aware of Sha'ar's terrorist background and immediately detained him.
During last summer's war between Israel and Hamas, Sha'ar participated in specific battlefield operations, including field logistics, transferring terrorists and weapons, and even admitted to setting up an anti-tank improvised explosion device (IED).
Sha'ar provided details of Iranian-Hamas military cooperation, including how Iran transfers funds and supplies weapons and electronics to the terrorist group. Those supplies include devices intended to jam radio frequencies to bring down Israeli drones deployed over Gaza. Furthermore, Sha'ar described how Iran trained Hamas terrorists to use hang gliders for attacks against Israel – a tactic revealed by previous Israeli interrogations of captured terrorists.
Critics of the recent Iran nuclear agreement argue that newly released funds to the Islamic Republic will bolster their regional hegemonic ambitions and global terrorist activities, including transferring more money and weaponry to its terrorist proxies.
According to Israeli intelligence, the Sha'ar detailed plans using tunnels to conduct cross-border attacks against Israeli targets, akin to Hamas' attempts during last summer's war. The Hamas operative confirmed that the terrorist group is diverting civilian reconstruction material for the purposes of rebuilding its terrorist infrastructure and underground tunnel network.
Sha'ar was indicted July 31 in the Beersheba District Court for being a member and engaging in activities with a banned organization, attempted murder, and forbidden military training.