Family of terrorist deported from Jerusalem to West Bank

The terrorist, 21-year-old Fouad Abu Rajab, shot and wounded two police officers earlier this week in Jerusalem and was subsequently killed during an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: MARCH 11, 2016 00:39
Scene of Jerusalem shooting attack (photo credit: MEDABRIM TIKSHORET)
Scene of Jerusalem shooting attack
(photo credit: MEDABRIM TIKSHORET)
Israel denied residency and transferred to the West Bank family members of a Palestinian terrorist who recently shot two Israeli police officers, confirmed the Public Security Ministry on Thursday.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, immediately following the attack, instructed the police to investigate the legal status of the family of the 21-year-old terrorist Fouad Abu Rajab who shot and wounded two police officers in Jerusalem on Wednesday and was subsequently killed during an exchange of fire with Israeli forces.
The investigation conducted by police revealed that the family of the terrorist had filed for residency status but it had not yet been approved. Rajab's father and sister and Rajab himself did not have any legal resident status and were therefore considered to be living illegally in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Isawiya.
"My instructions to the police were clear: Whoever is here illegally will be deported," said Erdan.
"We will continue to fight terrorism on all fronts with full force and those who support, finance or help terrorism will pay a high price," he added.
Muhammad Mahmoud, a lawyer for the prisoners' rights group Addameer, said five members of Abu Rajab's family were transferred to the West Bank, according to reports by Palestinian news agency Ma'an.
The five family members, Abu Rajab's mother and four siblings, ranging in age from 14 to 19, were reportedly transported to the Kalandiya checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah, according to Ma'an.
Abu Rajab's father was being held by Israel on suspicion of involvement in his son's attack.
Israel has in the past revoked Jerusalem residency permits from family members of Palestinian terrorists who carry out attacks against Israelis, Ma'an noted.