Gazan sniper 'tried to enter Israel for eye treatment'

Shin Bet: suspect planned to exploit humanitarian permit to facilitate shooting attacks on army patrols.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Gazan terror suspect Muhammad Abu Amsha (photo credit: courtesy shin bet)
Gazan terror suspect Muhammad Abu Amsha
(photo credit: courtesy shin bet)
A Gazan terrorist from the Aksa Martyrs Brigade was arrested this month after trying to enter Israel by taking advantage of a humanitarian permit, the Shin Bet announced on Thursday.
The man, Muhammad Abu Amsha, 32, of Beit Hanun initially claimed he wanted to transit through Israel to Ramallah for eye treatment.
Security sources said Abu Amsha intended to receive the treatment, that would improve his eye sight, so that he could take part in future sniper attacks against IDF soldiers.
“During questioning he said he was supposed to act as a sniper in an attack planned against IDF patrols along the electronic fence with the Strip,” the Shin Bet said. “He gathered intelligence on IDF movements in various sectors, trained in firearms, and tested various methods of operation for the attack,” the domestic intelligence service added.
An eye injury impeded Abu Amsha’s plans, so he attempted to travel to Ramallah for treatment.
Israel allows thousands of Gaza residents into Israel every month for humanitarian reasons, a fact often exploited by Palestinian terrorists, mostly to transfer funds for terrorism, and reside in Israel illegally, security sources said.
“This is an especially cynical use of humanitarian permits, to facilitate a sniper attack,” the Shin Bet said.
Prosecutors charged Abu Amsha at the Beersheba District Court on Thursday with attempted murder, contact with a foreign agent and conspiracy to commit murder.