Dubai: Hamam al-Hammami, the Omani co-pilot suspected of attempting to bring down a Flydubai aircraft bound for Israel, told investigators that the attack
was carried out in response to the war in Gaza, according to new details reported by Israel’s Channel 12 News.
The latest information from his interrogation was shared with Israeli security officials in recent days as investigators continue examining the motive behind the alleged attack.
“I did it as revenge for Gaza. I wanted to die as a shahid,” al-Hammami told investigators.
Israeli authorities are investigating whether al-Hammami acted independently or was influenced, recruited or directed by another person or organisation.
The military censor approved the disclosure that Israel’s Shin Bet security agency is also involved in the investigation.
A key question for investigators remains whether the alleged attack was driven solely by al-Hammami’s own beliefs or formed part of a wider plan.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have separately questioned flight attendants who were aboard the Flydubai aircraft during the incident.
Information shared with Israeli officials indicates that investigators have ruled out the possibility that the cabin crew were involved in the alleged plan or deliberately assisted the co-pilot.
The flight attendants reportedly told investigators that they were confused during the incident but denied having any role in an attempt to bring down the aircraft.
Israel has received reports from the UAE investigation. However, Emirati authorities have not allowed Israeli investigators to directly take part in questioning the crew.
Investigators are now closely examining al-Hammami’s mobile phone, which is being accessed by authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The contents of the device could provide information about his activities, contacts and movements before the alleged attack. Investigators are also looking for evidence that could establish whether he had communicated with another person or organisation.
Investigators are also examining al-Hammami’s overseas travel in recent years for possible links to organisations or individuals hostile to Israel.
At a Security Cabinet meeting on Sunday, a Mossad representative reportedly briefed ministers on findings from the investigation.
According to two sources who attended the meeting, the representative told ministers, “We discovered that in recent years, the terrorist visited countries hostile to Israel, some of them enemy states. These were brief visits. We are investigating whether, during those visits, someone or some organization recruited or directed him.”
