Blowing up an explosives lab (Archive phot, IDF Spokesman Unit)
צילום: דובר צה"ל
Hamas explosives lab found
Despite low profile kept by Hamas military wing since movement rose to power, underneath the surface, the terror activity continues. In a lab uncovered overnight, explosive devices and large bomb ready for use found by IDF forces
IDF forces uncovered an explosives lab in Hebron in which an explosion took place on Friday, apparently due to a work accident by the Palestinians who assembled the device.
The lab, which was neutralized through a controlled explosion, contained a number of pipe bombs and explosives that were apparently meant to be used against IDF forces in the city.
A check with the security forces found that the explosives lab belonged to Hamas. Three Palestinians injured in the explosion were members of the organization's military wing. An IDF source said following the incident: "This is more proof that Hamas is still dealing with terror and is preparing an infrastructure."
The al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, "lowered its profile" since the elections in the Palestinian territories, mainly in order to allow senior movement members to consolidate their control and receive legitimacy as a strong movement in government.
Palestinians attempted to hide Hamas members
Security sources said that Palestinian security forces, accompanied by Red Crescent staff, arrived at the scene of the explosion immediately after the explosion. They rapidly evacuated the injured from the scene in order to hide the fact that they were Hamas members. When IDF members arrived at the scene, the lab was found, and explosives which included a large explosives device ready for use were uncovered.
In the morning hours, an IDF force found an explosives device weighing ten kilograms west of Nablus. Border Police sappers were mobilized to the area, and neutralized the explosives. There were no injuries.
In the last week, the IDF found four improvised explosives in the Nablus area.
IDF sources say that this is a further example of attempts by terror organizations to carry out attacks resulting in dead and injured casualties, rather than shooting at soldiers.
