What it is about
Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, a 63-year-old leader of the Hamas terror group operating in the West Bank, has died while in Israeli custody. Abu Ara was reportedly transferred to a hospital after his health deteriorated in the Ramon jail located in Southern Israel.
Why it matters
The death of Abu Ara comes during heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been actively engaged in a war against Hamas following a disastrous incursion that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 more.
By the numbers
Among those relevant to the conflict, Abu Ara’s arrest in October reflects his extensive involvement with Islamist militant activities, having spent a total of 12 years in prison over previous incarcerations.
What they’re saying
The PA’s Commission of Detainees Affairs claimed that Abu Ara faced “unprecedented crimes” and “a war of extermination” from the onset of his arrest due to his health conditions.
Hamas has reacted by calling for violent retributions, urging their supporters to aim their attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians alike, referring to all Israelis as “settlers.”
The other side
The Israeli side has so far remained silent about the situation, giving no immediate comment.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.