Jerusalem, Israel โ In a significant counterterrorism operation, the Shin Bet and Israeli police successfully dismantled a Hamas-directed terror cell operating out of Turkey.ย
The six-member cell, all Palestinian residents of Nablus, was in the advanced stages of planning attacks within Israel, officials said.
Israeli security forces seized an array of weapons and cash, including an M-16 assault rifle, an improvised explosive device (IED) found near Jit, and $60,000 in suspected terror funds. Authorities believe the money was funneled through Turkey to fund Hamas's activities in the region.
“This operation is yet another example of Hamas’s ongoing attempts to destabilize Israel and orchestrate attacks from abroad,” a senior security official stated. “We will continue to dismantle these networks and prevent attacks before they occur.”
Hamas, the Iranian-backed terror organization controlling Gaza, has long used foreign bases, including Turkey, to coordinate its operations. Israeli intelligence has consistently warned that Turkey has become a hub for Hamas leadership and financial transactions, allowing terror cells to operate with relative impunity.
The captured operatives were transferred for further interrogation, and additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues. Security forces remain on high alert, emphasizing that vigilance is crucial in preventing future threats emanating from Hamas-linked networks.
This latest bust underscores the persistent threat Israel faces from terror groups seeking to exploit foreign territories to launch attacks, raising further questions about Turkey’s role in harboring and financing terror elements in the region.
Developing story – updates to follow.