Daily Archives: March 14, 2010

Senior Hamas Terrorist, Responsible for the Murder of Over 70 Israelis, Arrested Last Night in Ramallah, 14 Mar 2010

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Maher U’dda, a Hamas military wing operative wanted since the end of the last decade for his involvement in terrorism against Israeli civilians, was arrested last night in a joint IDF, ISA and Israeli Police operation in Ramallah.

U’dda is one of Hamas’ founders in Ramallah. Born in 1963, U’dda is a father of four and a resident of the village of Ein-Yabrud, northeast of Ramallah. In his earliest terrorist activity in the beginning of the 90′s, he formed a Hamas cell in his village, that abducted and interrogated Palestinians suspected of cooperating with Israel. In addition, the cell demanded weapons in return to releasing those abducted, which in turn were used execute terrorist attacks.

In 1998, U’dda was investigated by Palestinian security forces, and held in a Palestinian prison for a number of months. By the time he was released, he was already considered a senior suspect wanted by Israel.

According to information acquired regarding U’dda’s terrorist activity during the second Intifadah, he held a managerial role in organizing and funding of a Hamas military cell that was responsible for the murder of 10 Israeli civilians.

U’ddas arrest is the final stage of thwarting Hamas’ military headquarters in Ramallah, which executed various terror attacks and is responsible for the murder of more than 70 Israelis.

The arrest was made possible by pinpoint intelligence information provided by the ISA.

General Closure of the Judea and Samaria Region Extended Until Tuesday, 14 Mar 2010

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In accordance with the directives of the Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, and following additional situation assessments adopted by the defense establishment, the general closure implemented in the Judea and Samaria region as of Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 23:59 will be extended. It is now expected to be lifted on the night of Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at 23:59, in accordance with security assessments.

For the duration of the closure, persons who will need to pass for humanitarian reasons, including medical patients on way to care, 1500 medical workers, 1100 religious workers, 550 teachers and other professional groups will be permitted to cross subject to the authorization of the Civil Administration. The transfer of merchandise will operate regularly.

The passage of journalists will also be permitted. As always, the IDF Spokesperson Unit strongly suggests that passage into the Judea and Samaria region be coordinated in advance.

The IDF will continue to operate in order to protect the citizens of Israel while maintaining the quality of life of the Palestinian population in the area.