Israel Jails Gaza-Hamas Fighter for 15 Years

An Israeli court today jailed for 15-and-a-half years a Palestinian caught fighting in Gaza during last summer's 50-day war between Israel and Hamas.

A transcript of proceedings in the Beersheba district court, in southern Israel, said that Mohammed Abu Zaraj, born in 1991, was one of a squad of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, lying in ambush for advancing Israeli troops on July 27.

"The accused and members of the squad set explosive charges and waited to detonate them on the arrival of the soldiers," it said, without naming the location.

"When soldiers neared the spot they laid down heavy fire at the accused and members of the squad, which prevented (them)... setting off the charges or returning fire.

"The accused and some of them with him were detained," the transcript said.

It said one of the other men had been charged, but did not elaborate.

It said Abu Zaraj admitted in a plea bargain to charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, weapons offences and membership of a banned organisation.