Israeli Authorities Thwart Palestinian Terror Cell Linked to Islamic State

Jerusalem, 4 March, 2024 (TPS) -- Israeli authorities thwarted a Palestinian terror cell’s plans to carry out attacks inspired by Islamic State, it was cleared for publication on Monday.

According to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), the four-man terror cell, based in the Hebron area, produced about 100 explosive devices, using instructional videos available on the internet and with training from an IS operative whom one of the Palestinians was in contact with.

The Shin Bet said the cell intended to use the bombs in attacks on soldiers and security personnel in the Hebron area.

The suspects were identified as Murad Marktan, Hasin Marktan, Muhammad Marktan and Ahmed Marktan. All four are from the village of Tarqumiyah, near Hebron. Murad Marktan was identified as the cell’s contact person with the Islamic State abroad.

The terror cell also possessed M-16 and Carlo-style rifles.

Police sappers safely disposed of the explosives while the guns were confiscated.

The announcement of the arrests comes as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches. In the last several years, Palestinian terror has surged ahead of and during Ramadan. Ramadan is expected to begin at sundown on March 10.

Since October 7, Israeli security forces have arrested around 3,400 wanted Palestinian terror suspects in Judea and Samaria, of whom over 1,500 are affiliated with Hamas.