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Breakdown: The Stabbers and the Message that Motivates Them

Compiled by Tamara Elashvili

The First Knife Appears

Many point to Muhannad Shafiq Halabi as the first stabber in the Old City of Jerusalem on October 3, 2015, the first inspiration to the many terrorists to stab their victims to death. However, the first signs of the current “habba” [buzz] started to emerge in Hebron. On September 22, 2015, about two weeks prior to Halabi’s knifing attack, Hadeel al-Hashlamon, a 19-year-old woman student, dressed in full niqab garb, approached a soldier at a Hebron checkpoint, pulled out a knife, and attempted to stab him. She was shot and killed.1

This scene was captured digitally, shot in dramatic fashion, depicting a seemingly peaceful woman clad from head to foot in black confronting a soldier with gun held at the ready.2 The fact that Palestinian photographers and videographers were on the scene to record the encounter from several angles, and the presence of activists, all suggest that al-Hashlamon’s attack was coordinated in advance. Israeli Channel 2 reported on September 24, 2015, “that al-Hashlamon was known to the Israel Security Agency and had long expressed a desire to commit a terrorist act. Prior to her attack, al-Hashlamon told friends on numerous occasions she wanted to ‘do something’ and carry out an attack. The day before the incident in Hebron, she asked to separate from her husband and told him they would not see each other again.”3

The pictured scene is perfectly calm – the photographer positioned himself before any violent behavior became evident; he anticipated an incident. The Twitter account expressed the popular Palestinian view that she was killed because of her niqab (veil).4

Despite the abundance of cameras, no one published the scene of her drawing a knife and being shot. The photographs only depicted the moments before and immediately after.  The picture of the knife with a blue and yellow handle, lying on the floor at the scene of the attack, was mysteriously missing from the video footage.

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The knife roped off by police5
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Hadeel al-Hashlamon’s name is hashtagged with blood dripping from the al-Aqsa mosque6

Al-Hashlamon’s death caused a frenzy on social media, which referred to her as a glorious chaste martyr – a woman who was shot to death for the “crime” of Islamic modesty. The narrative evolved that she was shot because she refused to take off her niqab

As the first female shaheeda of this terror wave, she became an icon, her image spread all over the media. One man even posed in front of Mecca’s Kabba with her name scrawled on a piece of paper and declared her the detonator of the current uprising.7 Her funeral filled the streets of Hebron with women in hijabs and niqabs prominently marching with her picture aloft. Social media was ablaze.

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The tweet reads: “Plant a knife into his side…into his heart and avenge for chaste Hadeel al-Hashlamon.”8

When two Israeli parents, Eitam and Naama Henkin, were murdered by Hamas in front of their children in their car on October 1, Palestinians posted pictures of the bloody car and declared: “Revenge for our sister” [al-Hashlamon], and hashtagged her name. 

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The Henkin car featured in this Palestinian tweet. The tweet reads:  “Revenge for our sister.”9

A road has since been named after her and a commemorative stone has been erected in al-Hashlamon’s honor near Hebron.  

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Council of Students at Hebron University naming a street in Hebron after Hadeel al-Hashlamon10>

On the same day as the death of Hadeel al-Hashlamon, September 22, 2015, a funeral in Hebron was held for Diyaa Abdul Talahmeh, a 23-year-old male student, who was killed by an improvised explosive device that he attempted to throw at Israeli soldiers.11 Talahmeh’s death was a trigger that greatly influenced his friend Muhannad Halabi, who would go off to Jerusalem to kill the first two people at the start of this current terror wave. Like Halabi, Talahmeh appeared to be a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) student wing at Al-Quds University in east Jerusalem.12

As a member of the PIJ student wing, Talahmeh can be seen in a video wearing the sash of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and shouting heatedly to a crowd about how, “With the permission of Allah…we will be leaders of the mujahedeen. We will be leaders of the revolution and we will arrive in Jerusalem. [Palestinians] are in the diaspora. We will return to our homeland, to Haifa, to Jaffa, to Acre, to Safed; we will return with Allah’s permission.”13

Talahmeh’s death was in the context of a surge in confrontations in the Palestinian territories. According to Israel Security Agency, the number of confrontations (mostly firebomb attacks) in September had increased 22 percent from the previous month.14 A Palestinian hospital official said that Talahmeh “was showered in shrapnel and was also shot in the head,” though the military maintained it had not shot him; the device he built exploded and killed him.15

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Talahmeh with his shrapnel wounds at his funeral  (September 22, 2015, Twitter)16

The First Stabbing

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Muhannad Halabi (above) and Talahmeh

A placard on Muhannad Halabi’s grave reads: “The martyred lawyer Muhannad Halabi, igniter of the Jerusalem uprising.”17

Muhannad Halabi was a 19-year-old law student at Al-Quds University from Surda, north of Jerusalem. Before Halabi’s attack, he posted to his Facebook page: “As far as I can see, the third intifada has begun….What is being done to al-Aqsa is also being done to our other holy sites. What is being done to the women of al-Aqsa is also being done to our mothers and sisters. I do not think the Palestinian people will accept the humiliation…the Palestinian people will wage an intifada. In fact, it is waging an intifada.”18 Before Halabi headed out to carry out the attack, he reportedly watched a video of a Palestinian woman being arrested by Israeli police at the al-Aqsa mosque.19

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Women of the Mourabitoun, prohibited from entry to the Temple Mount for causing disturbances20

The protection of Palestinian women’s honor was a theme reiterated by Halabi’s father and mother at their son’s funeral. His mother stated, “I speak while I am blessing my son, on his martyrdom-death (shahada), and I am proud that he died to defend the women of Palestine.”21 His father remarked: “He avenged the women carrying out Ribat (religious conflict/war over land claimed to be Islamic) at the al-Aqsa [mosque]. He avenged them. He avenged them against the impure enemies. He avenged them and made everyone lift his head up high. He made everyone lift his head up high. Muhannad, may he find favor in the eyes of Allah, may he find favor in the eyes of Allah, praise Allah, Master of the World, praise Allah.”22

Halabi came from a politically active home, with his father a former member of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine who was arrested in the first intifada. Like his father, Halabi emphatically rejected the idea of negotiations with Israel and supported the idea of armed resistance, sentiments which he conveyed in a letter to PA President Mahmoud Abbas which Halabi posted on his Facebook page shortly before the attack.23  Despite Halabi’s disdain for the Palestinian Authority, which he felt aided the Israeli oppression, after his death the PA extolled Halabi as an exemplary martyr for Palestinians to follow.24

Halabi was aided and abetted by Abd al-Mari’i, who was detained under suspicion of having initiated the attack and helping Halabi enter Israeli territory illegally to pray at the al-Aqsa mosque. When Halabi was prevented from entering al-Aqsa, Mari’i convinced him to carry out the attack instead and bought a knife for him.25

Halabi continues to serve as a role model in the territories, with the Palestinian Authority, PIJ, Hamas, social media, and even the Palestinian Bar Association touting Halabi as a national hero.

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Monument in Halabi’s memory in the shape of Palestine26

A monument was erected depicting Halabi’s face on a Palestine-shaped stone (depicting all of Israel), above a Palestinian flag; a sports competition sponsored by the PA and Fatah was named after him; the Palestinian Bar Association awarded Halabi a posthumous honorary LL.D degree, claiming he excelled at his studies; and Halabi’s face and legacy of “martyrdom” has flooded Palestinian social media sites. Halabi has been turned into another Palestinian icon, as he was cited by other terrorists as a source of inspiration for similar attacks.27

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Halabi (right) and Abd al-Mari’i28

Statistics on Terror

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Picture of a Palestinian stabbing a Jew on the Temple Mount in front of the Dome of the Rock

From September 15, 2015, until January 18, 2016, there were 111 stabbing attacks, 38 shooting attacks, 22 car rammings, and two bombings, killing 30 people and wounding 290, 25 seriously.29

Each terror attack, perpetrator, location, potential motive, age, affiliation, and political endorsements have been compiled in the Appendix at the end of this chapter, listing the 181 attackers.30

Background of the Attackers

Some 59 percent of the attackers were between the ages of 15 and 23. The average age is 22, and the median age is 21. The attackers were mostly unmarried; only 17 out of 181 were married, while four were engaged to be married. Many were high school students or recent graduates, employed at low-paying jobs or unemployed, while some were university students. Most were male; only 22 (12 percent) were women. Almost none had a previous security record.

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Chart

 

Where Were the Terrorists From?

Hebron and the surrounding district are overrepresented. “Above and beyond other cities in the West Bank, society in Hebron is very closed,” explained Majed (last name withheld), a language teacher at Hebron University. “People here are startlingly traditional. There is something called faz’ah, or a call to arms. ‘How could my neighbor be killed without me doing a thing?’ is part of the culture here.” Majed cited tribalism and a low level of education playing a crucial role as well.31 These reasons could explain the conspicuously high number of terrorists originating from the Hebron area.

From Hebron city came 26 attackers; the broader Hebron governorate provided a total of 57 out of 181 attackers, making the Hebron area the source of 31 percent of total attackers. The Hebron governorate includes around 24 percent of the West Bank population (600,364 people in 2010).32 “The fathers of the attackers cite frustration with Israeli ‘oppression,’ violent images on the news, the violation of Palestinian women’s honor, and daily friction with the settlers of Hebron as the main reasons for their sons’ actions.”33

The greater Jerusalem area accounted for 25 percent of the attackers (numbering 45).

An explanation for the number of attacks focusing on Jerusalem and Hebron could be that both contain holy places for Muslims and Jews and therefore act as a focal point for Palestinian attacks. Furthermore, Hebron and Jerusalem share a common culture that has grown closer for over a century. A member of the Palestinian National Council and former Palestinian ambassador to Switzerland, Ani al-Qaq, credits Mufti Amin al-Husseini for his efforts in the 1920s to strengthen the Arab presence in Jerusalem by encouraging Hebronites to move to the city. “People of Jerusalem and Hebron have a strong bond. There are many common issues between them, including family relations,” Qaq said, adding that as a result of the movement of people and marriage, Hebron and Jerusalem are the “most socially connected cities” in Palestine.34 In fact, according to Riyad Khamis, director general of Radio 4 in Hebron, “More than 70% of the population of our capital, Jerusalem, have Hebron origins.”35

Who Honors the Terrorists? Who Takes Responsibility for Them?

One characteristic of the current uprising is the terrorists’ lack of clear organizational affiliation. For each martyr, multiple groups often send out simultaneous death notices. Perhaps the best way to discover their true political affiliations is at the funeral procession.

Bodies are never wrapped in multiple flags signifying different political factions at a funeral procession. The shroud that covers the body points to a definitive claim by an organization or lack thereof. According to analyst Pinhas Inbari, if a member is affiliated with Hamas, the dead body is wrapped in the iconic green flag of Hamas. Hamas would very rarely wrap anyone associated with them in a shroud of the Palestinian flag. Due to its roots in the Muslim Brotherhood, nationalistic symbols like the Palestinian flag would be avoided in burial ceremonies because of Hamas’ desire for an Islamic caliphate. Fatah and the Palestinian Authority, on the other hand, tend to shroud their dead in the signature yellow flag of Fatah.

Even terrorist attacks that one would imagine Fatah would attempt to distance itself from for political reasons, like the attack on January 31, 2016, by Palestinian security officer Amjad Sukari, was fully embraced by the PA. In an attempt to highlight the hypocrisy of an attack by PA security personnel and embarrass the PA over its security cooperation with Israel, Hamas immediately issued a death notice for Sukari.36

However, far from being embarrassed by Sukari’s actions, the Palestinian Authority honored Sukari with a funeral eulogy, laudatory Facebook posts, and a military funeral with a Fatah shroud wrapped around his feet.37

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38

 

Patterns in the Incitement to Kill

The beginning of this wave of terror was marked by a shared motivation on behalf of the attackers to protect the al-Aqsa mosque (often confused with the golden-topped Dome of the Rock, even by Palestinian demonstrators) and for the sake of being a shaheed for the homeland.  This image of al-Aqsa being defiled by the Jews, who are “foreign invaders,” and the glory offered by Palestinian society for becoming a martyr offer a tantalizing heroic legacy for many of the teenagers who set off to kill Israelis.  The romanticized portrait of the shaheed is one that has been consistently promoted by the Palestinian Authority through social media, including Facebook and Twitter, as well as by popular online news sites like QudsN and Shehab News Network.39

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Dome of the Rock inside his head – Al-Aqsa is written in Arabic

These popular social media sites serve as extremely popular platforms, as many of these teenagers and adults connect and spread propaganda photos of “murdered Palestinian children” and “girls” to further fan the flames. These disturbing images are often publicized on television programs, in which they claim Israel is killing innocent children in the streets – a motive cited by Morad Adais, who stabbed Dafna Meir to death at her home in Otniel on January 17, 2015.40

As the attacks continued, an additional motive appeared – vengeance for previously killed “martyrs” – relatives or friends killed in confrontations with the IDF. (Fifteen of the attackers were related to previous terrorists.) Official Palestinian media promotes this type of violence on virtually every platform through song, social media, TV shows, and cartoons, commonly honoring and promoting stabbers as noble martyrs with death notices and even commemorative statues.41

This incitement to violence has permeated throughout Palestinian society, as seen in polls taken in the West Bank and Gaza: 42.1 percent were in favor of a violent uprising, while slightly more than half, 50.4 percent, are in favor of a third intifada. Moreover, 62.3 percent are opposed to any resumption of peace talks with Israel.42

Appendix: Profiles of the Perpetrators
(September 13, 2015 – January 18, 2016) 

Sep. 13, 2015, Stones thrown at Israeli vehicle in Armon Hanatziv, Jerusalem, killing the driver

  1. Abd Mahmoud Abd Rabbo Dawiyat, 19, from Sur Bahr, east Jerusalem
Affiliation: Unknown. During interrogation he claimed he had gone to carry out the attack wrapped in a Hamas flag. He claimed he got it when he participated in the “Al-Aqsa mosque is in danger” rally in Um el-Fahm before the attack.
Background: Headed the squad. He threw the stones that hit Alexander Levlowitz’s car.

Others included in the attack:

  1. Muhammad Salah Muhammad Abu Kaf, 18, from Sur Bahr, east Jerusalem
  2. Walid Fires Mustafa Atrash, 18, from Sur Bahr, east Jerusalem
  3. Minor, name withheld, 14, from Sur Bahr, east Jerusalem

Oct. 1, 2015, Shooting attack in Samaria where an Israeli husband and wife were killed

  1. Yahya Muhammad Naif Abdallah Haj Hamid, 24, engaged to be married, from Nablus
Occupation: Worked at a supermarket.
Security Record: Had been jailed in Israel, carried out terrorist attacks in Israel
Affiliation: Hamas operative, had carried out terrorist attacks
Honored by: Facebook page of Palestine Dialogue Forum (PALDF). Official Fatah bulletin declared the attack carried out by their operatives.
  1. Sami Zuheir Ibrahim Kousa, 33, married and father of three, from Nablus
Occupation: Bus driver
Affiliation: Hamas operative
  1. Karim Lutfi Fathi Rizaq, 23, from Nablus
Occupation: Studied technical engineering at Al-Najah University in Nablus
Affiliation: Hamas operative
  1. Zaid Ziyad Jamil A’mer, 26, from Nablus
Occupation: Driving teacher in Nablus
Affiliation: Hamas operative

Oct. 3, 2015, Stabbing attack in Old City of Jerusalem, two Israelis killed

  1. Muhannad Shafiq Halabi, 19, unmarried, from Surda, north of Jerusalem. Law student at Al-Quds University in Abu Dis.
Affiliation: Belonged to Al-Jama’a Al-Islamiyya, the student wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
Motivation: Abd al-Aziz Mar’i was detained on the suspicion of having initiated the attack. He accompanied Halabi and helped him enter Israeli territory illegally to pray at Al-Aqsa mosque. When prevented from entering Al-Aqsa, Mar’i convinced Halabi to carry out the attack and bought the knife for him. Halabi watched a video of women being blocked from entering Al-Aqsa before he went out to attack. His father claimed that he defended the honor of the women of Al-Aqsa (Electronic Intifada/ Palwatch).
Background: Halabi wrote on his Facebook page: “As far as I can see, the third intifada has begun….What is being done to Al-Aqsa is also being done to our other holy sites. What is being done to the women of Al-Aqsa is also being done to our mothers and sisters. I do not think the [Palestinian] people will accept the humiliation….The Palestinian people will wage an intifada. In fact, it is waging an intifada.” According to reports he was greatly influenced by the death of his friend Dhiaa’ al-Talahme. He attended the funeral, kissed the corpse and sought to avenge his death (Jerusalem Brigades website).
Honored by: PIJ claimed Halabi as an operative. A PIJ banner hung on the mourning tent erected in the village of Surda. On October 10, 2015, the council of the Palestinian Bar Association decided to award Halabi a posthumous honorary LL.D degree, claiming he excelled at his studies. He became honored by many as a role model.

Oct. 3, 2015, Stabbing attack, Hanevi’im Street, Jerusalem, young boy harmed

  1. Fadi Samir Mustafa Aloun, 19, unmarried, from Issawiya, east Jerusalem
Occupation: Formerly worked as a cleaner for Givatayim municipality
Affiliation: DFLP’s military-terrorist wing claimed he died “defending Al-Aqsa mosque” (DFLP website)
Motivation: Frequently had his picture taken and posted the pictures on social networks. Did not appear religious. Tweeted shortly before the attack, “It is my intention to die as a Shaheed, or be victorious for the sake of Allah. Allah will forgive all the faithful Muslims. From now on I intend to return to Islam, with the help of Allah I intend to follow the path of Islam and die as a shaheed. Allahu akbar.”
Background: He lived in Jerusalem with his father. Mother and brother lived in Jordan since their request for family unity was denied. Fadi’s father raised him alone (Al-Jazeera). Became a role model and many Palestinians who carried out terrorist attacks posted his picture on their Facebook pages, claiming they were following in his footsteps.

Oct. 7, 2015, Stabbing attack, Old City, Jerusalem

  1. Shorouq Salah Dwayyat, 18, unmarried, from Sur Bahr, east Jerusalem
Occupation: First-year student in the education department at Bethlehem University (Al-Jazeera)
Motivation: A few hours before the attack she wrote on her Facebook page that her dream was to become a shaheeda. She wrote: “Mother, where am I going? Mother, I am going to be a shaheeda. Our greatest aspiration is to die as a martyr for the sake of Allah.”
Background: Described as gentle, childish, and loving life, and wanted to be a teacher.

Oct. 7, 2015, Stabbing attack, Petah Tikvah

  1. Tamer Younes Ahmed Varidat, 25, married, came from affluent family from Thahiriya, south of Hebron
Occupation: Graduated from Hebron University, worked in Israel as a barber
Background: Staying in Israel illegally
Motivation: Two days before the attack he changed his Facebook profile picture to a picture of the Al-Aqsa mosque. Not religious.

Oct. 7, 2015, Stabbing attack, Kiryat Gat, entered a private home and tried to attack a woman

  1. Amjad Amjad Hatem Mahmoud Al-Jindi, 18, unmarried, from Yatta, south of Hebron
Affiliation: The Fatah branch in Yatta issued a death notice for him, claiming he was a Fatah member, and also organized his funeral in Yatta.
Background: Staying in Israel illegally
Motivation: Facebook page (username Amjad Hosheih) had profile picture of Halabi and Fadi Aloun – with caption saying, “You have captured my heart, oh shaheed.” Many Fatah flags at his funeral. His family issued a notice with his picture on the background of Al-Aqsa mosque, calling him an “al-Aqsa shaheed.”

Oct. 8, 2015, Stabbing attack in Kiryat Arba, Jew critically wounded, terrorist escaped

  1. Unknown

Oct. 8, 2015, Stabbing attack in Tel Aviv with screwdriver, stabbed 5 Israelis

  1. Ta’er Abds Salam Abu Ghazala, 19, unmarried, from Kafr Aqab, north of Jerusalem
Personal background: Mother lived in Hebron. Dropped out of school in the 10th grade to help his father at work.
Occupation: Worked in a shop for repairing and installing air conditioners
Affiliation: There were many Fatah flags at his funeral
Background: Customarily prayed at the Temple Mount. Relatives described him as a well-balanced person, easy to get along with, well liked and helping everyone. He recently began saving money to get married.
Honored by: A Facebook page created to commemorate him features verses from the Quran.

Oct. 8, 2015, Stabbing attack in Afula

  1. Tareq Abd al-Fattah Salameh Yahya, 20, unmarried, from A’araqa, west of Jenin
Occupation: Worked in restaurants in Nazareth and Afula
Background: Staying Illegally in Israel

Oct. 8, 2015, Stabbing attack on yeshiva student at light rail in Jerusalem

  1. Subhi Ibrahim Muhammad Abu Khalifa, 19, unmarried, from Shuafat refugee camp
Motivation: The day before the terrorist attack, he decided to participate in the Palestinian national and religious struggles by stabbing Jews. He sent an SMS indicating his intention to become a shaheed.
Background: A resident of Shuafat wrote on his Facebook page that when he was 11 years old he threw stones at IDF forces that entered the camp.

Oct. 9, 2015, Attempted suicide by waving knife in the air, Afula bus station

  1. Israa Zeidan Abed, 29, divorced with 3 children, from Nazareth, Israel
Background: She did not intend to carry out a stabbing attack but waved the knife in the air to commit suicide. Her father is an imam in Nazareth. Emotionally unstable/suicidal tendencies.

Oct. 9, 2015, Stabbing attack using a vegetable peeler, Jerusalem

  1. Younes Saleh Ismail Theriya Abu Zuweid from Bituniya, near Ramallah

Oct. 10, 2015, Stabbing attack at Kiryat Arba

  1. Muhammad Fares al-Ja’abari, 19, from Hebron
Occupation: Worked in a shoe factory
Affiliation: Hamas issued death notice for him.

Oct. 10, 15, Stabbing attack at Nablus Gate, Jerusalem

  1. Muhammad Sayyid Ali, 25, from Shuafat
Affiliation: Fatah (Fatah-affiliated Facebook page)
Motivation: Influenced by the stabbing attack in Jerusalem by Fadi Aloun
Honored by: Fatah death notice issued for the “the heroic shaheed.”

Oct. 10, 2015, Stabbing two people on their way home from praying at the Western Wall

  1. Ishaw Qasem Badran Amrish, 16, from Kafr Aqab, north of Jerusalem
Affiliation: Fatah (issued a death note for him).

Oct. 11, 2015, Combined vehicular and stabbing attack near Gan Shmuel

  1. Alaa’ Ra’ed Mahamid (Zayoud), 20, unmarried, from Um el-Fahm near Hadera, in Israel. Carried an Israeli ID.
Background: During interrogation he claimed he acted on his own initiative
Motivation: He participated in the mass “Al-Aqsa mosque is in danger” rally held in Um el-Fahm. The rally was orchestrated by Ra’ed Saleh, head of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel.

Oct. 11, 2015, Attempt to detonate an IED in southern part of Jerusalem

  1. Israa Riyadh al-Ja’abis, 31, from Jabel Mukaber, east Jerusalem and Jericho

Oct 12, 2015, Stabbed border policeman at Lion’s Gate in Old City, Jerusalem

  1. Mustafa Adel Khatib, 17, unmarried, Jabel Mukaber, east Jerusalem

Oct. 12, 2015, Two young Palestinian cousins conduct stabbing attack in Pisgat Zeev, Jerusalem

  1. Ahmed Saleh Muhani Manasra, 13, from Beit Hanina
Motivation: “I went there to stab Jews,” he told investigators at Hadassah Hospital where doctors have been treating him for wounds he sustained during the incident, police said. “I came with my cousin Hassan. He brought the knives and I agreed to join him” (Times of Israel).
Background: “My son cannot stab, he doesn’t know how to hold a knife,” Ahmed Manasra’s father said.
Honored by: Abbas claimed Ahmed was shot dead. The myth was perpetrated on social media via Twitter and Facebook. His death notice called him an “Al-Aqsa shaheed.”
  1. Hassan Khaled Manasra (Muhani), 15, from Beit Hanina
Background: Pupil in the 10th grade. According to mother, an excellent student
Motivation: The elder cousin reportedly confessed to the crime and said he was retaliating for the death of a relative in October, who was shot dead outside Jerusalem’s Old City after stabbing three policemen. “I decided to kill Jews to take revenge for Mohammed’s death,” he told his interrogators, according to Channel 10 (Times of Israel).
Honored by: Fatah branch in Yatta issued a death notice calling him a “heroic shaheed, an Al-Aqsa shaheed.”

Oct. 12, 2015, Stabbed border policeman at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem

  1. Marah al-Bakri, 16, from Beit Hanina
Background: Student at the Abdallah bin Hussein School for Girls in Sheik Jarrah

Oct. 12, 2015, Stabbed soldier on a bus near the entrance to Jerusalem

  1. Muhammad Nazmi Alian Shamasneh, 22, from Qatanna, northwest of Jerusalem

Oct. 13, 2015, Stabbing attack bus stop in Ranaana

  1. Tareq Khalil Dweik, 22, Al-Ram, north of Jerusalem
Background: In Israel illegally

Oct. 13, 2015, Stabbing attack in Ranaana near a hospital

  1. Khaled Basti, 25, from Kafr Aqab, north of Jerusalem
Occupation: Hospital cleaner
Background: In Israel illegally

Oct. 13, 2015, Combined shooting and stabbing attack in Armon Hanatziv, Jerusalem, killed four

  1. Bahaa Muhammad Khalil Alian, 23, married father of one, from Jabel Mukaber, east Jerusalem
Occupation: Worked as a youth leader in Jabel Mukaber
Background: Believed in Palestinian nationalism. Initiated a campaign for a human chain of Palestinian youth around the walls of Old City of Jerusalem to enter Guinness Book of Records.
Motivation: He wrote on his Facebook page that he was ready to sacrifice his life for the “homeland.” He also wrote that he wanted to be a shaheed.
Honored by: Palestinian Bar Association and its council issued a death notice for the “heroic shaheed,” son of a Palestinian lawyer.
  1. Bilal Abu Ghanem, 23, from Jabel Mukaber, east Jerusalem
Background: Student at Al-Quds University in east Jerusalem. His father comes from Jenin, lived in Jerusalem together under family unification.
Affiliation: Hamas

Oct. 13, 2015, Combined vehicular and stabbing attack with meat cleaver in Geula, Jerusalem

  1. Alaa Abu Jaml, 20, from Jabel Mukaber, east Jerusalem
Occupation: Worked for Bezeq, Israeli phone company
Background/Motivation: He was the cousin of two terrorists who carried out the mass-killing attack at the Har Nof synagogue on Nov. 18, 2014.

Oct. 14, 2015, Stabbing attack at Nablus Gate, Jerusalem

  1. Basel Bassem Sidr, 16, from Hebron
Background: Affluent apolitical family. He led a secular life and was affiliated with Fatah.
Motivation: On Oct. 5 he replaced his Facebook profile picture with one of Yasser Arafat and his Facebook cover with a picture of a Hamas terrorist operative with Al-Aqsa mosque in the background and the slogan, “At your orders Al-Aqsa.” He wrote that he wanted the flag of Palestine flown at his funeral. He dreamed of dying as a shaheed near Al-Aqsa. His brother said he changed his lifestyle, left the house less frequently and had become very quiet. He smoked, dressed in regular clothing, was an enthusiastic soccer fan, and liked playing cards and pool.

Oct. 14, 2015, Stabbing attack on bus on Jaffa Rd., Jerusalem

  1. Ahmed Fathi Muhammad Abu Sha’aban, 23, from Ras Al-Amoud
Security Record: Released prisoner. Detained April 29, 2012, and sentenced to three years in jail.
Affiliation: Fatah, which issued a death notice for “the movement’s shaheed.”

Oct. 16, 2015, Stabbing attack near Kiryat Arba, disguised as a member of the press corps

  1. Iyad Khalil al-Awauda, 26, from Dura, south of Hebron
Security Record: Was imprisoned in Israel for 3 years, released in 2012
Affiliation: Hamas issued a death notice for him. His father is a retired PA Preventive Security Forces officer. The PA gave him a formal military funeral and his body was carried on the shoulders of operatives in the Palestinian national security forces.
Motivation: He joined the “Haters of Israel” Facebook page. He used his Facebook page to support the popular resistance, and glorify terrorists who had been killed in the current terrorist campaign. He also posted pictures of rifles and pistols.

Oct. 17, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack in Armon Hanatziv, Jerusalem

  1. Muataz Ahmed Hajis, 16, from Jabel Mukaber, east Jerusalem
Motivation: Cousin of Bahaa Alian, one of the terrorists in the earlier Armon Hanatziv attack
Background: Had epilepsy.

Oct. 17, 2015, Stabbing attack at Qalandia crossing

  1. Omar Muhammad Al-Faqi, 24, from Qatanna, north of Jerusalem and Qalandia Occupation: Graduated from Bir Zeit University in 2013 with a degree in finance and banking, worked at odd Jobs
Background: Won the Union of Palestinian Universities tennis championship. Wanted to become a professional tennis player and enter other competitions.

Oct. 17, 2015, Stabbing attack at a Hebron roadblock

  1. Tareq Ziyad al-Natshe, 18, from Hebron
Affiliation: Body draped with Hamas flag and Hamas issued death notice for him
Background: Involved in clashes with IDF forces and in throwing stones.

Oct. 17, 2015, Stabbing attack in the Jewish community in Hebron

  1. Fadhel Muhammad Awad al-Qawasmeh, 18, from Hebron
Affiliation: Hamas issued death notice for him. On his Facebook page he affiliated himself with Fatah.

Oct.17, 2015, Stabbing attack near Cave of the Patriarchs

  1. Bayan Imam ‘Asila, 16, from Hebron
Background: High school student
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice for her. Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc at Hebron University has a poster dedicated to her.

Oct. 18, 2015, Combined shooting and stabbing attack at Beersheba Central Bus Station

  1. Muhannad Khalil Salem al- Uquabi, 21, from the Israeli Bedouin village of Al-Uqabi near Hura in the Negev
Occupation: Metal worker
Background/Affiliation: He had been in contact with Hamas operatives for a long time and had carefully planned and prepared for the attack. His cellphone had pictures of Hamas operatives and weapons. His uncle, Sheikh Osama al-Uqabi, is the head of the Islamic Movement in the Negev. He was detained by the Israel Police in 2014 and at the beginning of 2015 Jordan prevented him from entering its territory. His mother is from Nuseirat in Gaza and received an Israeli ID under family reunification when she married his father.
Motivation: He called during a Friday sermon for massive numbers to go pray at Al-Aqsa and condemned Israel’s activity.

Oct. 20, 2015, Vehicular attack at the Gush Etzion junction

  1. Hamza Musa Muhammad Al- Amla, 25, from Bayt Ula, west of Hebron
Occupation: Carpenter
Motivation: On Oct. 4, 2015, he changed his Facebook profile picture to Fadi Aloun (who carried out a stabbing attack and became a symbol). On Oct. 17, changed his Facebook cover to a picture of the terrorist who disguised himself as a member of the press corps (Iyad Khalil al-Awauda).

Oct. 20, 2015, Stabbing attack at Bayt ‘Awwa, west of Hebron

  1. Adi Hashem Musalma, 24, from Bayt ‘Awwa

Oct. 20, 2015, Stabbing attack near “Beit Shalom” in Hebron

  1. Basher Nidal al-Ja’abari, 15, from Hebron
  2. Husam Ismail Jamil al-Ja’abari, 17, from Hebron

Oct. 21, 2015, Stabbing attack at Adam Square, south of Ramallah

  1. Mu’taz Attallah Qasem, 22, from Al-Azariya, east of Jerusalem
Motivation: The day before he carried out the stabbing attack he posted a quotation from a hadith (the Muslim oral tradition) on his Facebook page which read, “The man who speaks when the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer cannot say the shahada upon his death. If you do not speak [the word] know that your sins prevented you from doing it. I swear by Allah that I will tell this to ten people. There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet. Do not forget that this is what you swore.” The authenticity of the hadith is not considered particularly reliable, but its use may indicated that Mu’taz had a certain amount of Islamic orientation.

Oct. 21, 2015, Vehicular attack near Bayt Umar

  1. Fahim Shalaldeh, 25, from Sa’ir
Affiliation: Hamas issued a death notice for him, claiming he was a member of the organization. However, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club claimed he was still alive.
Background: The Palestinian media reported he was critically injured and hospitalized in Israel.

Oct. 22, 2015, Stabbing attack at Tel Romeida, Hebron

  1. Unknown

Oct. 22, 2015, Stabbing attack in Beit Shemesh, tried to get on a school bus

  1. Mahmoud Khaled Mahmoud Ghaneimat, 20, from Surif, north of Hebron
Occupation: Worked in construction in Beit Shemesh
Security Record: Detained in Israel between 2012 and 2014 for security felonies after being caught with a knife near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron
Affiliation: Hamas operative; under his clothes he wore an Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades T-shirt; activist in the Islamic Bloc, Hamas’ student wing.
  1. Miqdad Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Heeh, 20, from Surif, north of Hebron
Occupation: Worked in construction in Beit Shemesh
Affiliation: Under his clothes he wore an Izz al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades T-shirt
Motivation: His Facebook profile showed him holding a knife. The day before the attack he replaced the picture with one of Al-Aqsa mosque and Arabic reading, “I have been blessed with love.” Before that his profile picture was changed to one of intifada symbols and a notice reading “I want to be a shaheed for the sake of Al-Aqsa.”

Oct. 23, 2015, Stabbing attack at the Gaaton roadblock

  1. Unknown

Oct. 25, 2015, Stabbing attack at the Ariel Junction

  1. Tamer Shawket Khdeir, 26, from Beita, near Nablus

Oct. 25, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at a roadblock near Cave of the Patriarchs

  1. Dania Jihad Irshid, 17, from Hebron
Background: Student at the Al-Rayan High School in Hebron. Her father said she went to the Cave of the Patriarchs to pray every day after school (Al-Jazeera).
Honored by/Affiliation: Hamas issued a death notice for her. Facebook page of PALDF has her death notice.

Oct. 25, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at the Gilboa (Jalameh) crossing

  1. Ahmed Muhammad Sayyid Kamil, 16, from Qabatiya, near Jenin
Background: Student in the 12th grade, studying science; worked on weekends helping his father in the fields
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. Ibrahim Ramadan, governor of Jenin, sent Mahmoud Abbas’ condolences to the family. Attallah Kheiri, PA representative in Jordan, sent a formal communique expressing his condolences to the family.

Oct. 25, 2015, Stabbing attack near Mezad in Gush Etzion

  1. Azzam Izzat Sha’ban Shalaldeh, 20, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Background: Comes from a family of Hamas operatives. Wounded during the stabbing attack, escaped and sought refuge in Al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron. On Nov. 12, 2015, Israeli commandos abducted him and brought him to a hospital in Israel for treatment.

Oct. 26, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at a roadblock near Cave of the Patriarchs

  1. Sa’ad Muhammad Yussuf al-Atrash, 19, Hebron

Oct. 26, 2015, Stabbing attack near Bayt Anoun

  1. Ra’ed Saket Abd al-Rahman Jaradat, 22, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Background: Studied accounting at the Hebron branch of Al-Quds University
Affiliation: Fatah issued a death notice for him, claiming he belonged to the organization
Motivation: He posted two notices on his Facebook page before the attack. One was a picture of Palestinian terrorist Dania Irshid, killed while carrying out a stabbing attack in Hebron. He wrote, “Imagine she is your sister.” The other was a poem encouraging stabbing attacks to liberate Al-Aqsa mosque and Jerusalem.

Oct. 27, 2015, Stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction carried out by two Palestinian terrorists

  1. Shadi Nabil Abd Al-Mu’ti al-Qudsi (al-Dweik), 23, from Hebron
Security Record: Served a 16-month prison term in Israel for Hamas activities.
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. YouTube video with a picture of al-Quds posted when he was in Israeli jail. Poster of him by Islamic Bloc at Hebron University.
  1. Izz al-Din Nadi Abu Shakhadam (al-Husseini), 17, from Hebron
Affiliation: Both Fatah and Hamas issued death notices for him
Honored by: Fatah’s Shabiba Facebook page has poster of death notice.

Oct. 27, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at a roadblock at the entrance to Tel Romeida, Hebron

  1. Humam Adnan Yahya Iss’id, 23, from Hebron
Background: Student at Hebron University, was the manager of a children’s clothing store, and also worked as a barber
Motivation: He posted notices on his Facebook page calling for violence against Israel and praising shaheeds. A few days before the attack he posted a notice calling on Palestinians to “shake Israel’s security.” The day before he died he wrote that “the heavens weep for the shaheed’s.” He posted pictures on his Facebook page showing him in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Honored by: Hamas death notice for “a shaheed of Palestine” (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Hebron University).

Oct. 27, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack by two sisters at the entrance to the Cave of the Patriarchs

  1. Jihan Hatem Abd al-Aziz Erekat, 17, from Abu Dis
  2. Noura Hatem Abd al-Aziz Erekat, 21, from Abu Dis

Oct. 28, 2015, Stabbing attack at the shopping center in Gush Etzion

  1. Unknown

Oct. 28, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at a roadblock at the entrance to Tel Romeida, Hebron

  1. Islam Rafiq Hamad Abido, 23, from Hebron

Oct. 29, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at Beit Hadassah in Hebron

  1. Farouq Abd al-Qadr Sidr, 19, from Hebron
Background: Law student at Hebron University
Motivation: His brother, Basel Sidr, was killed on Oct. 14, 2015. His cousin, Malek al-Sharif, was killed while attempting a stabbing attack at Gush Etzion junction.
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him “mourning the death of a shaheed of Palestine” (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc at Hebron University).

Oct. 29, 2015, Stabbing attack in the Jewish community in Hebron

  1. Mahdi Muhammad Ramadan al-Mukhatasab, 23, from Hebron
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for the “heroic shaheed” (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc at Hebron University).

Oct. 30, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at the Tapuah Junction in Samaria

  1. Qasem Mahmoud Qassem Saba’neh, 20, from Qabatiya, near Jenin
Honored by: The PA’s representative in Jordan, Atallah Kheiri, sent a formal communique expressing his condolences to the family (Facebook page of Qabatiya Online).
  1. Bassam Fares Ibrahim al-Na’ssan, 20 or 23, from Al-Mughir, north of Ramallah
Background: Wounded while attempting a stabbing attack riding on his motorcycle.

Oct. 30, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack near Beit El

  1. Unknown

Oct. 31, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at Jalameh crossing

  1. Mahmoud Talal Abd al-Karm Nizal, 18, from Qabatiya, near Jenin
Honored by: Mahmoud was given a formal military funeral by the PA. His body was carried by operatives of the Palestinian national security forces. One picture shows his body draped with a black PIJ flag. Atallah Kheiri, the PA representative in Jordan, sent a formal notice of condolence to the family (Facebook page of Qabatiya Online).
Motivation: Mahmoud left a letter in his home in which he wrote, “Forgive me, mother. I am going to be a shaheed. Forgive me if [the Israelis] destroy our house, for some time I have wanted to perform the shahadah [death as a martyr for the sake of Allah]….Say goodbye to my father and other relatives.”

Nov. 1, 2015, Attempted stabbing prevented at the Bayt Anoun junction

  1. Fadi Hassan al-Farouk (Abu Hassan), 26, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Honored by: Hamas and Fatah individually issued death notices for him. A video released after his death shows him clashing with IDF forces. He is seen throwing a stone at an IDF vehicle. His cousin Aweis al-Faroukh is a police officer and PA police commander in the village of Idhna, west of Hebron. Hamas death notice posted (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Hebron University).

Nov. 1, 2015, Vehicular attack near Kiryat Arba

  1. Ahmed Yakin al-Ja’abari, 22, from Hebron
Occupation: Unknown. A picture on a Palestinian news site show him as a photographer working for the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Background: After the attack he turned himself in to the Palestinian security services, claiming the incident had been a traffic accident (a claim often made by Palestinian terrorists who carry out vehicular attacks).

Nov. 2, 2015, Attempted terrorist attack at gas station near the Jalameh crossing

  1. Ahmed Awad Nasri Abu al-Rab, 17, from Qabatiya, near Jenin
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him
  1. Mahmoud Mu’amim Mahmoud Kamil, 17, from Qabatiya, near Jenin
Background: Wounded while carrying out stabbing attack and detained

Nov. 4, 2015, Vehicular attack on Route 60 near Halhul

  1. Ibrahim Samir Ibrahim al-Sakafi, 22, from Hebron
Honored by: The PA held a formal military funeral for him. His body was carried by operatives of the Palestinian national security forces.

Nov. 5, 2015, Stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction

  1. Malek Talal Muhammad al-Sharif, 25, from Hebron
Occupation: Had a BA in accounting, worked in a copy shop in Hebron. Also worked at several radio stations: Siraj, Al-Huriya, and Al-Khalil (the last two shut down because they broadcast incitement)
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him
Motivation: According to his Facebook page, among the events influencing him was death of Palestinian terrorist Dania Irshid near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. He wrote, “Don’t be sad. The battalions of vengeance are coming.” A few minutes before the attempted attack he called his mother and asked for her forgiveness, saying he planned on becoming a shaheed. He also called his father and his aunt, who was the mother of two Palestinians killed in the current terrorist campaign: Basel Sidr (killed on Oct. 14, 2015), and Farouq Sidr (killed Oct. 29, 2015). Ten minutes before the attack, Malek Sharif phoned his father in Hebron. “Dad, I want you to be pleased with me. The last words I want to hear in my life are ‘God is pleased with you.’” Father implored him to come home. Malek said, “It’s done. I’ve prayed to God and I can’t go back.” Revenge was key in his decision for Farouk and Basel Sidr, his father said. He posted a prayer for his mother not to be sad and a wish to meet the “lovely-eyed maidens” who await martyrs in heaven. He posted a photo of Sheik Ahmad Yassin, the founder of Hamas, saying, “The children around you have grown up, O Sheikh; matured to the stage where they can bomb Haifa and Tel Aviv” (Tablet Magazine). Hamas death notice on Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc – Nablus.

Nov. 6, 2015, Shooting attack at the Bayt Anoun junction

  1. Unknown, 16, from Bani Na’im
Background: Detained by the Israeli security forces

Nov. 6, 2015, Stabbing attack near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron

  1. Unknown

Nov. 6, 2015, Stabbing attack at the Shaar Binyamin shopping center, north of Jerusalem

  1. Baraa’ Kayed Faiq Issa, from Anata
Motivation: He posted a video on his Facebook page showing himself sitting in front of the flags of Fatah and its military wing. In it he claimed he was wanted by the Israelis and that he belonged to Fatah’s military wing. He carried out the attack “to defend Al-Aqsa mosque and for the sake of the Palestinian people and to defend the occupied land of Palestine.” He claimed he carried out the attack without being directed or pressured by anyone. Postings on his Facebook page called for an uprising, a struggle for the sake of Al-Aqsa mosque, and revenge for the deaths of Palestinian attackers. A day after the attack he turned himself in to the Palestinian security services.
Honored by: Fatah’s official Facebook website has his “martyr” video”

Oct. 6, 2015, Vehicular attack near the Halhul bridge in Hebron, knife found in car

  1. Tharwat Ibrahim al-Sha’rawi, 72, widow, mother of five, from Hebron
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice for her. Ismail Haniyeh, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, spoke to the family and expressed his condolence (PALDF forum). The Palestinian media issued a false report of her death, claiming the IDF had “executed” her for no reason.
Motivation: Was the widow of Fouad al-Sha’rawi, a terrorist operative who was killed by IDF fire in the region of Hebron in 1988 during the first intifada. Two weeks before her death, she wrote a will and spoke with her daughter Ihlam. She said, “I think I am going to die soon….If I die, oh, Allah, Let me die as a shaheeda and not in my bed.”

Nov. 8, 2015, Vehicular attack at the Tapuah junction

  1. Suleiman ‘Adal Muhammad Shahin, 22, married, father of baby girl, from Bir Nabala
Occupation: Vegetable vendor in the Al-Bireh market
Honored by: Fatah issued a death notice for him. According to the family, he was not a Fatah operative. Formal Fatah death notice for Suleiman appeared on Facebook page of QudsN (Oct. 8). Fatah death notice also features Dome of the Rock.
Motivation: His older brother said that since the current wave of terrorism began he had gone to the Al-Bireh area every day to throw stones and clash with Israeli security forces. His cousin said that on several occasion Suleiman said he wanted to die as a shaheed. Pictures show Suleiman with M-16 and another with Arafat photo, Fatah flag to the right, and picture the Dome of the Rock to the left.

Nov. 8, 2015, Stabbing attack at the entrance to Beitar Illit

  1. Hilwa Salim Muhammad Alian, 22, married, mother of baby boy, from Husan

Nov. 8, 2015, Stabbing attack in the village of Nebi Elias in the Alfei Menashe region

  1. Unknown – Turned himself in to the Palestinian Authority
  1. Unknown – Turned himself in to the Palestinian Authority

Nov. 9, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at the Eliahu crossing in the Alfei Menashe region

  1. Risha Muhammad Ahmed Awissi, 23, engaged to be married, from Qalandia
Motivation: She left a suicide note in her bag reading, “I don’t know what will happen at the end. I am doing this with a clear mind, in defense of the homeland, the boys and girls. I cannot bear what I see and I cannot suffer any longer. My parents, father, mother, sisters, forgive me for what I am doing. I love you. Especially my fiancé. I am sorry for what will happen to me on this path and that this is the way I am ending [my life].”

Nov. 10, 2015, Stabbing attack in light rail car in Jerusalem by two children

  1. Muawiya Alqam, 12, from Shuafat refugee camp
Motivation: Relatives say he saw the leaked video clips of Ahmad Manasra (Israeli police yelling at him). Uncle Abu Nimer Alqam said, “Anyone who saw that clip would want to go out and seek revenge or fight the enemy. I think more youths are going to carry out attacks to prove to the Israeli authorities that they are not scared of them or their tactics.” Cousins from Shuafat got on the train with a pair of scissors and a knife and stabbed the guard.
  1. Ali Alqam, 13, from Shuafat refugee camp
Motivation: Considered a copycat attack to Ahmad Manasra. Ihab Alqam, Ali’s father, said he first heard of the attack from an older brother who said Ali’s picture was “all over Facebook.” “I am extremely shocked,” Ihab Alqam said. “My son Ali did not seem as though he was angry about anything. In fact he is the one that is spoiled the most” (New York Times).

Nov. 10, 2015, Attempted stabbing at Nablus Gate, brandished knife and rushed towards two security guards

  1. Muhammad Abd Nimr, 37, father of four, from Issawiya, east Jerusalem
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. Notice on Facebook page of the Islamic Movement in Jenin.

Nov. 10, 2015, Stabbing attack of a Border Policeman near Al-Tira

  1. Unknown

Nov.10, 2015, Stabbing attack at a roadblock near Abu Dis near Jerusalem

  1. Sadek Ziyad Gharbiah, 16, from Sanur, south of Jenin
Background: High school student; religious and frequented the mosque
Motivation: His father, Ziyad Abu Garbiah, was a senior Hamas operative in Jenin and one of the terrorists expelled to Lebanon in the 1990s.
Honored by: Hamas and the Islamic Bloc in Sanur issued a death notice for Sadek. Death notice issued by Hamas for its “son, the jihad fighter shaheed” (Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Jenin) features Al-Aqsa mosque with Dome of the Rock in the background. Death notice issued by Islamic Bloc in Sanur.

Nov. 12, 2015, Stabbing attack at the Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem

  1. Unknown

Nov. 13, 2015, Shooting attack in south Mt. Hebron, killing an Israeli father and son

  1. Shadi Ahmed Mutawa (al-Tamimi), 27, married, father of two, from Hebron
Affiliation: Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
Background: Shadi Ahmed Mutawa’ told his brother he had carried out the attack, and the brother rushed to tell their father. The two were afraid that the IDF would raze their house and turned in Shadi Ahmed to the Israeli security forces.
Honored by: Notice issued by the Islamic Bloc in Hebron University. The Arabic reads, “Hebron struggles. May your hand be blessed, man of the resistance. The death of two settlers and the wounding of others in the shooting attack near Hebron” (Facebook page of Islamic Bloc in Hebron). Hamas spokesman Husam Badran issued a statement praising the “heroic action of the Palestinians in Hebron.”

Nov. 14, 2015, Vehicular attack near Psagot north of Jerusalem

  1. Shadi Fathi Jamil Matriya, 22, from Al-Bira
Honored by: Fatah issued death notice for “fighting shaheed” Shadi (Facebook page of PALDF).

Nov. 18, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack near Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron

  1. Unknown, 16, from Hebron
Motivation: He confessed he had gone to the roadblock intending to die.

Nov. 19, 2015, Three Israelis stabbed in south Tel Aviv. Two were killed and third seriously wounded. Attacker entered the synagogue on the second floor of the building and stabbed worshippers.

  1. Ra’ed Muhammad Jabra Masalma, 35, married and father of five from Dura, south of Hebron
Occupation: Was in Israel legally, and worked in a nearby restaurant
Background: First terrorist attack in ten years by someone with a permit to work in Israel; originally came from Bayt ‘Awwa.

Nov. 19, 2015, Shooting attack with an Uzi submachine gun. Attacker opened fired at Israeli vehicles in a traffic jam near Alon Shvut. Three killed and 5 wounded.

  1. Muhammad Abd al-Basset al-Haroub, 24, from Deir Samet, south of Hebron
Motivation/Honored by: His house flew a Hamas flag. His mother claimed she was the “mother of a hero” (Facebook page of PALDF).

Nov. 21, 2015, Four people stabbed in the Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, a man, two women, and 13-year-old girl

  1. Shaker Muhammad al-Tirda, 17, from Taffuh, southwest of Hebron
Occupation: Was in Israel illegally and worked in construction.

Nov. 21, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron

  1. Palestinian woman, 27, from Yatta, south of Hebron
Background: She aroused suspicions of the Border Policeman and had a knife.

Nov. 21, 2015, Attempted car-ramming attack in Abu Dis, near Jerusalem

  1. Unknown

Nov. 21, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack near Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron

  1. Alaa’ Ataf al-Awauda, 16, from Deir Samet, south of Hebron

Nov. 22, 2015, Israeli woman stabbed at Gush Etzion junction

  1. Issam Ahmed Salman Thawabtah, 31, from Bayt Fajar, south of Bethlehem
Honored by: Fatah issued a death notice for the “heroic shaheed” (Facebook page of Ayn al-Bayt Fajar). His mother told a local TV station she was “proud of her son, who lifted his head up high.” Fatah issued a death notice for the “heroic shaheed” (Facebook page of Ayn al-Bayt Fajar).

Nov. 22, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at the Huwaara roadblock, near Nablus

  1. Ashraqat Taha Ahmed Qatanani, 16, from Iskar refugee camp in Nablus
Honored by: PA condemned her death. Ismail Haniyeh, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, telephoned her father and expressed admiration for the family’s stance and courage. He claimed that she had been killed to liberate Palestine and her death had not been in vain. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri condemned her death and claimed it had been encouraged by the Netanyahu government. Her death was a “serious war crime” and such “crimes” encouraged the Palestinian people to continue the intifada (Hamas website).
Background: Her father, Sheikh Tah Qatanani, claimed that if his daughter had carried out an attack, she had fulfilled her national, moral duty, and he was proud of her. Loved Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hizbullah. Her father said: “To be honest, the last night before her martyrdom was a very weird night. She was joking around with her brother – Habib Al-Rahman – and telling him, ‘I want to practice stabbing on you,’ so she got up and headed to the kitchen from where she brought all the knives and asked me which one was the best. We thought all that was just joking around and harmonizing with the state of combativeness she was passing through. Next morning, on the day of her martyrdom, she prayed the Morning Prayer, turned on the TV, and prepared herself for school like every day. She gave me my medicine for I was very sick then. She fed her cat and put water for her canary bird, kissed my hands – something she didn’t usually do – and went out. Throughout that night she kept on asking me: Shall I bring you some water to drink?”

Nov. 22, 2015, Car-ramming attack at Kfar Adumim junction combined with stabbing attack

  1. Shadi Hadib al-Khasib, 30, from Al-Bireh
Background: Drove a taxi and tried to run over people. When that did not succeed, he got out of the car and tried to stab them with a knife. When his wife was told he had become a shaheed, she said, “Praise be to Allah.”
Honored by: Facebook page of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah.

Nov. 23, 2015, Stabbing attack on Route 443 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

  1. Ahmed Jamal Ahmed Taha, 21, from Qatanna
Background: Dropped out after elementary school and worked at odd jobs to help support the family
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for “the hero who died [fighting] in jihad,” who had “carried out a heroic stabbing attack” west of Ramallah. Facebook page of Qatanna praised him, calling him a “hero” and “blessing his right hand.”
Motivation: Ahmed Taha has a picture with a Hamas flag.

Nov. 23, 2015, Stabbing attack on soldier near Huwwara in the Nablus region

  1. Alaa’ Khalil Sabah Hashash, 16, Iskar refugee camp in Nablus
Honored by: Fatah’s military-terrorist wing in the Balata refugee camp and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) both issued death notices

Nov. 23, 2015, Vehicular attack near Homesh

  1. Unknown

Nov. 23, 2015, Stabbing attack in Machaneh Yehuda, Jerusalem by two girls who stabbed a 70-year-old Palestinian man from Bethlehem

  1. Hadil Wajia Awad, 16, from Qalandia
Motivation: Hadil’s brother was Mahmoud Wajia Awad, a former prisoner, who was killed Nov. 28, 2013, during a clash with IDF forces at the Qalandia crossing
Honored by: Facebook page of PALDF and QudsN.
  1. Nurhan Ibrahim Awad, 14, from Qalandia
Background: Girls were cousins.

Nov. 24, 2015, Vehicular attack at Tapuah junction

  1. Azmi Suhail Azmi Nafaa’, 21, from Jenin
Background: A law student in his fourth year at Al-Najah University in Nablus
Honored by: Facebook page of PALDF.

Nov. 25, 2015, Stabbing attack at IDF roadblock at the entrance to the Al-Fawar refugee camp

  1. Muhammad al-Shoubaki, 20, from Al-Fawar
Occupation: Studied graphic design at the Palestinian College in Al-Aroub, and worked at a restaurant with Farouq Sidr (stabber Oct. 28)
Honored by: Both Hamas and Fatah issued death notices for him, but he did not belong to either organization. Facebook page of the Al-Fawar refugee camp, and Facebook page of the Islamic Movement in Hebron, Facebook page of Fatah in Al-Fawar.
Motivation: On his Facebook page he posted a notice calling himself “Muhammad al-Shoubaki (shaheed on the waiting list).” About a half an hour before the attack he posted the following: “You are honored, dear homeland….You are honored, Al-Aqsa….You are honored, our shaheed #youth_the homeland.” Shoubaki’s Facebook postings called for revolt and terrorism.

Nov. 26, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at the Tapuah junction in Samaria

  1. Samer Hassan al-Sarisi, married and father of four, 51, from Jenin
Occupation: Did not have stable work
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him, but his wife said he did not belong to any organization. Facebook page of the Islamic Movement in Jenin.

Nov. 27, 2015, Combined vehicular and stabbing attack

  1. Fadi Muhammad al-Khasib, 30, married and father of two, from Al-‘Aroura
Occupation/Background: Worked in a store in the village, in the past he had worked in Israeli factories.
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice. His wife said he did not belong to any political framework. Hamas spokesman Husam Badran praised the attack because it wounded soldiers. He said such “heroic actions” proved the intention of the Palestinian people to continue the intifada. He also expressed admiration for the shaheeds who “glorify the Palestinian people” and called for more “heroic actions” (Hamas website).
Motivation: Devout Muslim. His brother was Shadi al-Khasib, who carried out a vehicular attack in same spot and was killed.

Nov. 27, 2015, Vehicular attack entrance to Bayt Umar

  1. Omar Arafat Issa al-Za’aqiq, 19, from Bayt Umar
Honored by: Fatah issued a death notice for him. Fatah hung a banner on the family house. Hamas spokesman Husam Badran praised the attack.

Nov. 27, 2015, Stabbing attack by Israeli Arab near central bus station in Nahariya

  1. Unknown, 16, from a village in northern Israel
Motivation: He claimed that before he stabbed the Border Policeman the two had argued.

Nov. 29, 2015, Stabbing attack in Old City Jerusalem

  1. Bassim Abd al-Rahman Mustafa Salah, 38, married, from Nablus
Background: According to Palestinian security sources, he had psychological and social problems.
Honored by: Hamas issued a death for him.

Nov. 29, 2015, Woman from Nepal stabbed in the back at bus stop in Jerusalem

  1. Unknown, 17
Occupation: Worked at a construction site nearby.

Dec. 1, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack with a pickaxe in the village of Anabta

  1. Maram Ramez Hassouna, 20, from Rafidia, west of Nablus
Occupation: Studied English at Al-Najah University in Nablus
Security Record: She was detained after shooting fireworks and trying to stab an IDF soldier at a roadblock east of Tulkarm. Released from jail in Israel on May 21, 2014, after a year and a half.
Motivation: Before the attack, she told family she wanted to keep the intifada “permanently alive” (Al-Qassam Brigades Twitter)
Honored by: Facebook page of QudsN and Facebook page of Shehab.

Dec. 1, 2015, Stabbing attack at Gush Etzion junction

  1. Mamoun Ra’ed Muhammmad al-Khatib, 16, from Al-Duha, west of Bethlehem
Honored by: Facebook page of QudsN.

Dec. 1, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at Efrat junction

  1. Palestinian woman, large knife found in her possession.

Dec. 3, 2015, Shooting attack at Hizma roadblock north of Jerusalem

  1. Mazen Hassan Areiba (Abu Zeid), 37, married, father of four, from Abu Dis
Occupation: Officer in Palestinian general intelligence in the Jerusalem sector
Security Record: Served 3-year term in an Israeli prison
Honored by: Official PA media did not report on Areiba’s affiliation with Palestinian general intelligence, reporting only “the death of a civilian at Himza.” Al-Risala, a newspaper affiliated with Hamas, printed a cartoon making fun of Mahmoud Abbas, who now had to examine his security officers more carefully. Raa’fat Alian, Fatah spokesman in Jerusalem, said that the person who carried out the attack was in fact an officer in general intelligence. He called Areiba a shaheed and a hero and stressed that Fatah opposed security coordination with Israel because it did not serve Palestinian interests. Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the PLO executive committee and a relative of the terrorist, paid a condolence call to the Areiba family. He was accompanied by Majed al-Fatiani, the governor of the Jericho district, and Fatah members from the Jerusalem region.

Dec. 3, 2015, Stabbing attack near Nablus Gate in Jerusalem

  1. Izz al-Din Rayiq Abdallah Raddad, 21, from Saida, north of Tulkarm
Motivation: Before the attack, he posted pictures of confrontations with IDF forces on his Facebook page.

Dec. 4, 2015, Vehicular attack in the village of Silwad, near Ramallah

  1. Anas Bassam Abd Al-Rahim Hamad, 21, from Silwad
Occupation: Worked as a barber in his village
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc at Bir Zeit University
Motivation: Oldest son of senior Hamas activist Sheikh Bassam Abd al-Rahim Hamad, who was imprisoned in Israel a number of times.

Dec. 4, 2015, Stabbing attack near the village of ‘Aboud, northwest of Ramallah

  1. Abd al-Rahman Wajia’ Ibrahim al-Barghouti, 27, engaged to be married, from Aboud, northwest of Ramallah
Occupation: Worked delivering water bills for the local council and lived with his brothers in the village
Background: His parents and other relatives have left the PA and now live in the U.S.
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. PA held a formal military funeral for him and his coffin was carried on the shoulders of operatives of the Palestinian national security services.

Dec. 5, 2015, Shooting attack in the Benyamin Region

  1. Unknown

Dec. 5, 2015, Stabbing attack in Tel Romeida, Hebron

  1. Mustafa Fadhel Abd al-Munam Fanoun, 16, from Hebron
Background: Student in the 10th grade, cousins of second attacker
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for both even though they didn’t belong to the movement.
  1. Taher Mustafa abd Al-Manum Fanoun, 19, from Hebron
Background: Studying law and legislation in the Shariah and law department of Hebron University
Motivation: Posted condemnations of the Palestinian Authority. Posted pictures of Israeli forces on the Temple Mount, and of two female terrorists who were killed while carrying out attacks. Posted video of himself with Islamic Caliphate flags. Ten minutes before the attack he posted a notice reading “Hello…and goodbye.”
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for both even though they didn’t belong to the movement. Facebook page of PALDF.

Dec. 6, 2015, Combined vehicular-stabbing attack in Romema, Jerusalem

  1. Omar Yasser Fakhri Iskafi, 21, from Beit Hanina
Honored by: Fatah in the Al-Rahm region issued a formal notice for the death of “the son of the [Fatah] movement, the heroic shaheed” (Facebook page of Fatah in Al-Ram). The terrorist’s mother told a local TV station she would be ready to give birth to another Omar every day and willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Al-Aqsa mosque and Palestine. She said she asked Allah to receive her son Omar as a shaheed. After the attack, there was positive feedback on the Beit Hanina Facebook page. Talk-backers hoped Allah would have mercy on the terrorist and let him rest peacefully in paradise. One post the following morning read, “May peace be upon you. May Allah’s mercy and blessings [be upon you]. The morning is fragrant with the perfume of the shaheeds of Palestine. The intifada of knives continues” (Facebook page of Beit Hanina).

Dec. 6, 2015, Shooting attack in Benyamin region

  1. Unknown

Dec. 7, 2015, Stabbing attack at bus stop near the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron

  1. Ihab Fathi Zakaria Masouda, 18, from Hebron
Motivation: Pictured at the Temple Mount with Dome of the Rock in the background
Honored by: Family distributed candy to visitors who came to pay their condolences (Facebook page of PALDF).

Dec. 9, 2015, Stabbing attack at Beit Hadassah in Hebron

  1. Abd al-Rahman Yasri Zakaria Masouda, 21, from Hebron
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. Death notice issued with Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa in the background by Hamas (Facebook pages of Shehab, Quds and Islamic movement in Nablus).

Dec. 9, 2015, Shooting attack near Avnei Hefetz in Samaria

  1. Unknown
Honored by: Hamas praised the attack.

Dec. 10, 2015, Vehicular attack north of Modiin

  1. Muhammad Abd Al-Halim Abd Al-Hamid Salem, 37, from Luban al-Gharbiya
Security Record: He is a released prisoner. In 2001 he spent a year and a half in administrative detention for his membership in Hamas.
Affiliation: Previous affiliation with Hamas
Motivation: He confessed to carrying out the attack because he claimed he had been influenced by the Palestinian media’s coverage of the situation in Jerusalem and the “murder of Palestinian children.”

Dec. 11, 2015, Attempted vehicular attack at the Halhul junction in Hebron

  1. Issa Ibrahim Salameh al-Haroub (Abu Jawad), 57, had two wives and 16 children, from Deir Samet, south of Hebron
Occupation: Worked for many years as a clothing merchant
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. Ismail Haniyeh, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, spoke to one of his children and expressed his condolences (Facebook page of the Hamas movement in Nablus).

Dec. 11, 2015, Shooting attack at the Jalameh crossing

  1. Unknown

Dec. 13, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack at western gate of Kiryat Arba

  1. Lama Munzer Hafez al-Bakri, 16, from Hebron
Background: Student; carried out attack on way home from school.

Dec. 14, 2015, Attempted attack in Jerusalem by two young Palestinian girls

  1. Unknown
  2. Unknown

Dec. 14, 2015, Vehicular attack at entrance to Jerusalem, one-year-old infant critically injured, along with two adults, axe was found in car

  1. Abd al-Muhsen Shaher Hassouna, 21, from Beit Hanina
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him.

Dec. 15, 2015, Blunt instrument attack in Modiin

  1. Palestinian man, from Bayt Sira, had Israeli work permit
Occupation: Construction worker

Dec. 16, 2015, Attempted vehicular attack in Qalandia

  1. Ahmed Hassan Jahajha, 23, from Qalandia
Occupation: Worked as a photographer for a wedding studio and as a photojournalist. Studied communications at the Modern Academic College in Ramallah
Motivation: On his Facebook page he posted pictures from events that occurred in Qalandia (riots, funerals, rallies) and calls for violence and struggle.
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for them.
  1. Hikmat Farouq Hamdan al-Sarafandi, 29, father of three from Al-Bireh
Honored by: Ismail Haniyeh, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, called the father to congratulate him on the attempted attack (Facebook page of the Hamas movement in Nablus).

Dec. 17, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack near Huwwara

  1. Abdallah Hussein Nasasra, 15, from Bayt Furik, east of Nablus
Motivation: He posted a picture of a masked Palestinian throwing stones on his Facebook page. He wrote, “The dream of honor is not far off, either you live as a hero or you die as a shaheed.”
Honored by: Hamas and Fatah individually issued death notices for him. Death notice issued by Fatah in Nablus district features Dome of the Rock and Arafat.

Dec. 18, 2015, Attempted vehicular attack, Qalandia crossing

  1. Jalal Shuman, 32, from Khirbat Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah

Dec. 18, 2015, Attempted vehicular attack in Silwad

  1. Muhammad Abd al-Rahman Ahmed Iyad, 21, engaged to be married, from Silwad
Motivation: He was a friend of Anas Hamad (killed in vehicular attack on Dec. 4). Left a will in which he stated he had decided to sacrifice himself because he could not bear the “occupation.” Told his mother he wanted to become a shaheed.
Background: Returned from America a few days prior to the attack to marry his fiancée
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. Relatives distributed candy to people who came to the mourning tent.

Dec. 19, 2015, Shooting attack in Qalandia

  1. Unknown

Dec. 19, 2015, Stabbing attack in Ranaana

  1. Mahmoud Feisal Mahmoud Basharat, 20, from Tammun, north of Nablus
Background: A school dropout who worked in Israel illegally.

Dec. 20, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack on soldier in Hebron

  1. Madelein Taleb Hareizat, 22, from Yatta, south of Hebron

Dec. 23, 2015, Stabbing attack at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem

  1. Issa Yassin Assaf, 21, from Qalandia
Security Record: Imprisoned in 2015 because of involvement with terrorism
Honored by: Hamas claimed both attackers were operatives of the movement and issued death notices for them.
  1. Anan Muhammad Abu Habsa, 21, from Qalandia

Dec. 24, 2015, Vehicular attack at Adam Square north of Jerusalem

  1. Wisam Nasser Abu Ghuwila, 20, from Qalandia
Honored by: Qalandia’s Facebook page has his portrait with a message, “Be blessed in the shahadah, lions of Qalandia.”

Dec. 24, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack in Hebron region

  1. Iyad Jamal Issa Id’is, 25, from Yatta, south of Hebron
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him. Facebook page of PALDF.

Dec. 24, 2015, Stabbing attack at the entrance to Ariel industrial park

  1. Muhammad Zahran Abd al-Hamid Zahran, 22, from Kafr al-Dik in the Salfit region
Occupation: Worked in the Ariel industrial park and had an entrance pass
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him (PALDF Facebook)

Dec. 25, 2015, Attempted vehicular attack in Silwad

  1. Mahdia Muhammad Ibrahim Hamad (Um Zakaria), 40, mother of four from Silwad
Honored by: Fatah issued a death notice for her, but she apparently did not belong to the movement.

Dec. 26, 2015, Attempted vehicular attack near Huwwara, near Nablus

  1. Maher Zaki al-Jabi, 56, from Nablus
Honored by: Hamas and Fatah individually issued death notices for him. Fatah banner carried at his funeral.

Dec. 26, 2015, Attempted stabbing attack in Jerusalem

  1. Musab Mahmoud Muhammad al-Ghazali, 26, from Silwan, Jerusalem
Background: Brother claimed he was retarded and as a child had gone to a school for special needs. Followed Jewish worshippers around the Old City and then pulled out a knife when asked for identification.

Dec. 27, 2015, Stabbing attack near central bus station in Jerusalem

  1. Sayyid Farouq Muhammad Kanbaz, 30, from Al-Azariya, east of Jerusalem

Dec. 27, 2015, Stabbing attack at gas station near Huwwara Center, south of Nablus

  1. Muhammad Rafiq Saba’ana, 17, from Qabatiya, near Jenin
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice.
  1. Nour al-Din Muhammad Saba’ana, 23, from Qabatiya, near Jenin
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice.

Dec. 31, 2015, Vehicular attack in the Huwwara region, south of Nablus)

  1. Hassan Ali Bazour al-Silawi, 22, from Raba, southeast of Jenin
Background: Student at the American University in Jenin
Motivation: During the past six months he posted many pictures of Hamas military-terrorist operatives on his Facebook page.
Honored by: Hamas issued a death notice for him, calling him its “son, the heroic shaheed.”

Jan. 1, 2015, Two-part shooting attack in Tel Aviv, at a pub and then killed an Israeli Arab taxi driver

  1. Nashat Milhem, 29, from Ara, an Israeli Arab
Background: Graduated high school, worked in a vegetable store. After extensive manhunt, was found near his home
Security Record: Spent five years in prison, indicted in 2007 for attacking an IDF soldier and trying to snatch his weapon
Honored by: PA/Fatah hesitated to call him a martyr due to strong linkage with ISIS-like inclinations. Hamas praised the attacks. “We do not know what the reasons were for Nishat to have committed the shooting attack,” said family member Ahmed Milhem. “We would prefer for him to still be alive, to understand what caused him to kill people like he did.” The family is under suspicion for aiding and abetting his hiding. Facebook pages of Fatah and Hamas praised Milhem.

Jan. 3, 2016, Attempted stabbing attack in Armon Hanatziv, Jerusalem

  1. Unknown

Jan. 3, 2016, Shooting attack – woman shot by sniper next to the stairs of Cave of the Patriarchs

  1. Unknown
Honored by: Notice congratulating the Hebron sniper and encouraging shooting attacks on Facebook page of QudsN.

Jan. 3, 2016, Shooting attack at junction south of Hebron

  1. Unknown
Honored by: Notice congratulating the Hebron sniper and encouraging shooting attacks on Facebook page of QudsN.

Jan. 4, 2016, Stabbing attempt in Jerusalem

  1. Unknown

Jan 5. 2016, Stabbing attack at Gush Etzion junction

  1. Ahmed Yunis al-Kawazbah, 17, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Motivation/Background: Son of senior Hamas operative Yunis al-Kawazabah. Father was imprisoned by Israel and detained by PA.

Jan. 6, 2016, Attempted stabbing attack at the Bayt Einun junction

  1. Khalil Muhammad Mahmoud Shalaldeh, 16, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Honored by: PA held a military funeral for him. Facebook page of Fatah had his picture. The death notice was issued by Salaldeh clan (on Facebook paged of Sa’ir Our Home).
Motivation: He was the brother of Mahmoud Shalaldeh, 18, who died on Nov. 13, 2015, after having been wounded by the IDF in a riot in Sa’ir.

Jan. 6, 2016, Attempted stabbing attacks at the Gush Etzion junction

  1. Ahmed Salam Abd al-Majid al-Kawazba, 19, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Honored by: Both Hamas and Fatah issued death notices for them. Facebook page of Fatah had their pictures. QudsN also had their photo. Facebook page of Sa’ir Our Home. Facebook page of Hamas in Nablus.
Motivation/Background: All three attackers came from the same family and same village. PA held a military funeral for all three terrorists, carried by Palestinian national security forces and the Palestinian police force.
  1. Alaa Abd Muhammad al-Kawazba, 17, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
  1. Muhannad Ziyad al-Kawazba, 18, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Background: Son of an officer in the Palestinian police

Jan. 9, 2016, Attempted stabbing attacks in the Jordan Valley

  1. Ali Muhammad Aqab Abu Maryam, 23, from Jedida, near Jenin
Background/Occupation: Studying economics at Al-Quds Open University and worked in agriculture to support his family.
Motivation: He posted a picture of Palestinians throwing stones on his Facebook page. On January 8, 2016, he wrote, “The Jews say adults die and young people forget. We say adults die and young people avenge them.”
Honored by: His funeral was attended by many Fatah supporters.
  1. Sayyid Jawda Abu al-Wafa Zawiya, 40, married with at least one child, from near Salfit

Jan. 11, 2016, Attempted stabbing attack near Jenin

  1. Zaid Maher Muhammad Ashqar, 18, from Sida, north of Tulkarm

Jan. 12, 2016, Attempted stabbing attack at Bayt Einun junction near Hebron

  1. Adnan Iyad Hamed al-Haliqa, from Al-Shuyukh, northeast of Hebron
Honored by: Facebook QudN has video of his body with people kissing it.

Jan. 12, 2016, Attempted stabbing attack at Anoun junction near Hebron

  1. Achmed Mahmoud Qasem al-Kawazba, 23, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Motivation: He was related to the three attackers from the Kawazba family who were killed on Jan. 6.
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice for him as “our shahid son, jihadi warrior.” Facebook page of the Islamic Movement in Nablus. Facebook page of “Sa’ir Our Home.”

Jan. 14, 2016, Attempted stabbing near Mount Ebal, in Nablus

  1. Hitham Mahmoud Abd al-Jalil Yassin, 36, from Al-Smaliyah, north of Nablus
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice for him on Facebook page for Hamas in Nablus.

Jan. 14, 2016, Attempted stabbing at Bayt Anoun junction near Kiryat Arba

  1. Mouyad Ouni Jabrin, 20, from Sa’ir, north of Hebron
Motivation: He left a letter for his mother asking her for her forgiveness and expressing a wish to kill two Israeli soldiers and become a shaheed.
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice for him. The PA organized a formal military funeral for him. Death notice on PALDF Facebook.

Jan. 17, 2016, Stabbing attack at Hawwara, near Nablus

  1. Wassam Maroun Ahmed al-Katzraoi, 21, from Masaliah, southeast of Jenin
Honored by: Hamas issued death notice for him. PALDF Facebook page. Quds Network. Shehab news has his picture. Fatah Facebook page calls him an executed martyr.

Jan. 18, 2016, Came to Dafne Meir’s home in Otniel and stabbed her to death in front of her children

  1. Morad Bader Abdullah Adais, 16, from Bayt Amra, near Yatta
Motivation: His father said his son “had everything in life” and had not acted suspiciously before the attack.
Honored by: Picture of him on PALDF Facebook, Shehab News, Al-Quds News.

Jan. 18, 2016, Infiltrated Tekoa and stabbed pregnant woman

  1. Itaman Mahmoud Shaolon, 19, from Nadaza village (southeast of Bethlehem)

Terrorist Cells Uncovered

Dec. 23, 2015, Hamas network planned bombs and suicide bombings, exposed in Abu Dis

Headed by: Jamal Musa Azzam, 27, from Abu Dis
Description: Recruited people for attacks – constant contact with operatives in Gaza. Trained to manufacture explosive belts and IEDs. Recruited two Israeli citizens who were students at Abu Dis University (one from east Jerusalem and the other a Bedouin from Hura). Both students support ISIS. An explosives laboratory was discovered in an apartment rented by Ahmed Azzam in Abu Dis. The Bedouin agreed to carry out a suicide attack. Materials were purchased in Ramallah and Israel. So far 25 cell members have been detained.

Dec. 23, 2015, Hamas network exposed in Bethlehem

Members: Issa Nasser Issa Shawka, 19, from Bethlehem, accepted Ahmed Azzam’s offer to carry out an attack. Cell received funds from Hamas.
Background: Some members were students at Abu Dis University from Bethlehem. Three recruits said they were will to carry out attacks, two for suicide attacks.

Jan. 20, 2016, Hizbullah network exposed in Tulkarem

Recruited by: Jawad Nasrallah (son of Hassan Nasrallah) via social media
Leader: Mahmoud Zaghloul, 32, from Zita outside of Tulkarem, who was recruited directly by Jawad Nasrallah.
Description: An initiative of Hizbullah’s Unit 133, which is charged with setting up terror cells in Israel. Israel Security Agency (ISA) called the group very irregular. In addition to Zaghloul, four other members of the cell were arrested.
Zita resident Rabah Labadi, 28, who had been imprisoned in an Israeli jail in 2002-2007 and 2008-2011, was also arrested. The ISA and IDF also arrested Muhammad Zaghloul (Mahmoud Zaghloul’s relative), Muhammad Matzarwa, and Ahmed Abu el-Az, all 19-years-old from the Tulkarem area (Times of Israel).

A Note on Sources

The main source used was the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. Additional information came from news articles from various sources (New York Times, Times of Israel, Tablet Magazine, etc.). Additional information came from QudsN and Shehab News.

* * *

Notes

1 Ali Sawafta, Ori Lewis, and Mark Heinrich, “Palestinian killed attacking Israeli forces, woman dies,”  AP Reuters, September 22, 2015, http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-palestinians-violence-idUKKCN0RM1VT20150922

2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr8sZX8K7tM

3 Cynthia Blank, “Hevron Stabber Told Friends ‘She Was Planning Attack’,” Arutz Sheva, September 24, 2015, http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/201022

4 https://twitter.com/search?f=images&vertical=default&q=%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%84%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%B4%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%86&src=typd

5 Peter Beaumont, “Dispute arises over circumstances of death of woman at Israeli checkpoint,” The Guardian, September 23, 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/23/dispute-arises-over-circumstances-of-death-of-woman-at-israeli-checkpoint-hadeel-al-hashlamon

6 https://twitter.com/search?f=images&vertical=default&q=%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%84%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%B4%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%86&src=typd

7 Snapshot of Twitter picture

8 https://twitter.com/search?f=images&vertical=default&q=%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%84%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%B4%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%86%20since%3A2015-10-01%20until%3A2015-10-09&src=typd

9 https://twitter.com/search?f=images&vertical=default&q=%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%84%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%B4%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%86%20since%3A2015-10-01%20until%3A2015-10-09&src=typd

10 https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=1568872456681660&story_fbid=1722558307979740

11 Sawafta, Lewis, and Heinrich, “Palestinian killed attacking Israeli forces, woman dies,”  http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-violence-idUSKCN0RM0NO20150922

12 “News of Terrorism and the Israeli Palestinian Conflict, Sept. 21-Oct. 7, 2015,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center,  http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20880/E_169_15_691701197.pdf

13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbK2hA7Z0vs

14 “Monthly Summary – September 2015,” Israel Security Agency, September  2015, https://www.shabak.gov.il/English/EnTerrorData/Reports/Pages/MonthlySummary-September2015.aspx

15 Sawafta, Lewis, and Heinrich, “Palestinian killed attacking Israeli forces, woman dies,”  http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-violence-idUSKCN0RM0NO20150922

16 https://twitter.com/search?f=images&vertical=default&q=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A9&src=typd

17 Budour Youssef Hassan, “Muhannad Halabi: A terrorist to Israel, a hero to his family,” Electronic Intifada, January 20, 2016, https://electronicintifada.net/content/muhannad-halabi-terrorist-israel-hero-his-family/15316

18 Initial Findings of the Profile of Palestinian Terrorists Who Carried Out Attacks in Israel in the Current Wave of Terrorism,” Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 2, 2015, http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20900/E_179_15F_2045303147.pdf

19 Hassan, “Muhannad Halabi,” https://electronicintifada.net/content/muhannad-halabi-terrorist-israel-hero-his-family/15316

20 https://www.facebook.com/QudsN/photos_stream

21 Palestinian Media Watch, October 12, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0OdN6jCFzc

22  Ibid.

23 Hassan, “Muhannad Halabi,” https://electronicintifada.net/content/muhannad-halabi-terrorist-israel-hero-his-family/15316

24 Ibid.

25 “Initial Findings of the Profile of Palestinian Terrorists,” http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20900/E_179_15F_2045303147.pdf

26 http://rotter.net/forum/scoops1/277187.shtml

27 “Fatah Facebook praises “hero” martyr, “Igniter of the intifada” who stabbed 2 to death,” Palestinian Media Watch, http://www.palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=448&doc_id=16908

28 http://newspalestine.net/39742.htm

29 “Wave of terror 2015/16,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 17, 2016, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Terrorism/Palestinian/Pages/Wave-of-terror-October-2015.aspx

30 Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/index.aspx

31 Elhanan Miller, “Should Israel Keep the Bodies of Dead Palestinian Terrorists From Their Families?” Tablet Magazine,  http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/195895/dispatch-from-hebron

32 http://www.pcbs.gov.ps/Portals/_PCBS/Downloads/book1710.pdf

33 Miller, “Should Israel Keep the Bodies of Dead Palestinian Terrorists?” http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/195895/dispatch-from-hebron

34 Daoud Kuttab, “Jerusalem and Hebron: A tale of two cities,” Al-Monitor,  November 10, 2015, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/11/hebron-jerusalem-bond-israel-restrictions.html

35 Ibid.

36 “The social networks as a source of inspiration and imitation for terrorists: the case study of Amjad Jaser Sukari, Jaser Sukari, the Palestinian policeman who carried out a shooting attack near Beit El,” Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 2, 2016,  http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20950/E_026_16_2139465664.pdf

37 “‘Kill 500 Israelis,’ mourners demand at funeral of PA gunman,” Times of Israel, February 2, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/kill-500-israelis-mourners-demand-at-funeral-of-pa-gunman/

38 https://www.facebook.com/Official.Fateh.1965/

39 https://www.facebook.com/Official.Fateh.1965/; https://www.facebook.com/ShehabAgency.MainPage/;

40 “Teen Otniel killer influenced by TV show, Shin Bet says,” Times of Israel, January 24, 2016,  http://www.timesofisrael.com/teen-otniel-killer-influenced-by-tv-show-shin-bet-says/

41 Fatah Official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Official.Fateh.1965/

42 “Poll No. 200,” Palestinian Center for Public Opinion, November 16, 2015, http://www.pcpo.org/index.php/polls/124-poll-no-200