Palestinian twin sisters 'plotted bomb attacks'

ISA: One of the suspects accessed the internet to learn how to assemble bombs.

Palestinian twin sisters arrested by Shin Bet for alleged terror offenses (photo credit: SHIN BET,REUTERS)
Palestinian twin sisters arrested by Shin Bet for alleged terror offenses
(photo credit: SHIN BET,REUTERS)
Palestinian twin sisters are in Israeli custody and have been charged with preparing explosive devices and plotting terrorist attacks, the Shin Bet said Monday.
The sisters, 18, from the village of Shuweika near Tulkarm, have been named as Diana and Nadia Hawila, and were arrested at the end of December, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said.
“During a search of their home, weapons were seized, including pipe bombs, fertilizers for bomb assembly, a knife, Hamas headbands and equipment for rioting.”
The intelligence agency questioned the sisters, saying the investigation found that “Diana independently purchased the chemical materials found in her home.
By watching online instruction videos, she assembled explosive devices and planned to use them against Israelis.”
Her sister allegedly helped her hide the explosives in their family home.
“Diana accessed, though the Internet, extremist Islamic preaching that encourages women to take an active part in terrorism against the State of Israel and against Jews,” the Shin Bet said. “These strengthened her decision to act.”
The sisters have in recent days been charged in a Samaria military court with a range of security offenses, including the production of an explosive device and purchasing weapons.
“This investigation once again underscores the motivation that exists to carry out attacks, including among those who do not belong to terrorist organizations, and including women,” the Shin Bet said.
It noted the “growing usage of the Internet for producing weapons to use in terrorist attacks, and the transmission of incitement.”