Sourasky Medical Center. Good place to hide
Photo: Shaul Golan
Terror suspect 'hides' in Israeli hospital
Islamic Jihad member and wanted terror suspect sent by fellow-activists to receive life-saving treatment in Tel Aviv hospital; man admitted with fake ID
According to an old cliché, the best place to hide something is also the most obvious, where no one would think of looking. Several Islamic Jihad activists apparently had that saying in mind when they sent one of their group members, wanted by the IDF for terror-related activities, to be hospitalized at the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.
The man, Haytam Masri, an al-Quds Brigades member and a wanted terror suspect, was wounded several days ago during an IDF operation in Nablus. Masri was hospitalized at the local hospital in town, but his condition soon deteriorated and it became clear that only treatment in Israel could save his life.
Knowing that Masri is wanted by the army, his fellow-activists prepared for him a fake ID, which enabled the transfer of the wounded man to the hospital in the heart of Israel, where Palestinians are occasionally treated in cases the treatment provided them in the Palestinian Authority does not suffice.
However, Masri's ID aroused the suspicion of some of the Medical Center's physicians, who consequently summoned the police to the place. An inspection revealed that the patient was indeed admitted with fake identifications, and that he was in fact a wanted suspect.
Palestinian sources in Nablus reported Saturday that Masri was involved in a political assassination prior to the legislative elections in the PA, and that he has been wanted by the Security forces for some time.
The Sourasky Medical Center reported that Masri's condition was moderate and stable. Security officials are currently investigating the affair.
Rivka Freilich contributed to the report
