Hamas man planned to kidnap Israeli diplomat
Court charges 28-year-old Hamas operative from Jordan for planning terror attacks on Israeli targets, including devise to kidnap diplomat, fire at embassy in Amman
An indictment was filed Thursday against 28-year-old Hamza Mahmood Yusuf Usman from Jordan, accusing him of cooperating with Hamas in order to attack Israeli targets and kidnap its citizens.
According to the charges, Usman and his counterparts devised a plan to kidnap an Israeli citizen, apparently a diplomat in Amman, attack the Israeli embassy in the Jordanian capital and launch rockets from Jordan towards Israel.
Related Stories:
- Arab League, Jordan condemn Israel 'escalation' in Gaza
- IDF: Allow arms into West Bank
- Report: Ankara embassy closed due to threats
In the indictment, submitted to the Petah Tikva District Court, prosecutors claimed Usman has been working as a Hamas operative for a while now. He and other members of the terror group had allegedly plotted to establish a military cell to help carry out their plans.
Usman is said to have joined Hamas in 2009. He arrived in Gaza in 2010, where he met with Hamas officials and underwent military training. Usman later returned to Jordan, followed by a visit to Syria - where he attempted to attain communication equipment, such as GPS devices and walkie-talkies, on behalf of Hamas.
In 2011 he tried to set up a military cell destined to assault Israeli targets, contemplating a possible attack on an IDF patrol unit along the Jordanian border.
Planned to monitor embassy
Usman later suggested his fellow group members rent an apartment near the Israeli embassy in Amman, so as to enable them to monitor the location and its security arrangements.
The terror group also considered purchasing RPG rockets to use as part of their planned attack on the embassy.
Usman, arrested in the West Bank back in July, has been indicted for being in contact with a foreign agent, being a member of an illegal organization, taking part in illegal military training, conspiring and other firearm offenses.
The prosecution has requested the court extend the remand of Usman pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings against him.
- Follow Ynetnews
on Facebook
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
