Israeli authorities yesterday permitted the publication of the arrest about a month ago of a Palestinian militant in the Gaza Strip who is believed to have undergone training in Iran. Jerusalem officials say details revealed in his investigation shed light on how Tehran is encouraging terrorism, as well as Syria's indirect contribution to the "cause." Ala Abu-Madif, 29, an activist in the Fatah-affiliated Abu Rish Brigades, was arrested in Khan Yunis in a joint Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security services operation. He is suspected of involvement in firing rockets into Israel and in planning terror attacks. He and other activists are thought to have traveled to Iran for training about a year ago, through Egypt and Syria. Under interrogation Abu-Madif revealed that the activists received military training, including the assembly of explosive devices and weapons training, which took place in a mountainous area of Iran.
Abu-Madif returned to Gaza last June, after Hamas took control of the Strip, and began taking part in anti-Israel activities. His interrogators believe he planned to carry out a suicide attack against IDF soldiers at the Kissufim border crossing with Israel. This is not the first time Israel has arrested Gazan militants who are suspected of having undergone military training in Iran.