By Aryeh Savir
JERUSALEM – Israel police and Shabak announced they have arrested Aziz Musah Salam Awisat, a resident of the Jabl Mukaber neighborhood in Jerusalem, on charges that he sabotaged gas lines in buildings in several attempts to cause mass explosions. Awisat, allegedly affiliated with Hamas, is 49 and a father of six. Authorities said he confessed and stated he acted on nationalistic motives with intent to harm Jews.
The last attempt occurred March 5 when firefighters evacuated dozens of residents from three buildings in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood in Jerusalem after two gas lines in the vicinity were severed. A burning candle and other flammable materials were discovered near the cut lines. Experts on the scene detected combustive levels of gas. The gas lines were shut down and the buildings were ventilated. The firefighters’ quick action and decisiveness prevented a large scale disaster. Before then Awisat allegedly tried to cut gas lines to buildings on February 28th and March 2nd, cutting the lines in 8 buildings in total, according to police.
The police said they recognized a pattern, and that Awisat was arrested two days after the last attempt, using DNA found at the scene.
Awisat is further charged with severely assaulting a 70 year-old Israeli with an ax two years ago as the Israel was on his way to the Kotel.
Awisat’s interrogation continues, and authorities said he will be indicted in the next few days.
*
Aryeh Savir is a staff writer for the Tazpit News Agency in Israel. He may be contacted via en@tazpit.org.il
*
San Diego Jewish World seeks sponsorships to be placed, as this notice is, just below articles that appear on our site. This is an ideal opportunity for your corporate message or to personally remember a loved one’s contributions to our community. To inquire, call editor Donald H. Harrison at (619) 265-0808 or contact him via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com