(Ynet) — Hamas engineer Dirar Abu Sisi, nabbed by Israeli security forces earlier this year, provided interrogators with priceless information on Hamas’ modus operandi, the terror group’s readiness for a clash with Israel and attempts to improve its rocket range.
According to interrogation excerpts, cleared for publication Thursday by the Beersheba District Court following Ynet’s appeal, the Hamas engineer described the terror group as an orderly hierarchical organization that aims to learn from its mistakes and adapt to changing regional realities.
The engineer told interrogators that following Operation Cast Lead Gaza, top Hamas terrorist Mohammed Deif and the group’s military wing commander Ahmed Jabari found Hamas’ operations to be lacking and decided to make Abu Sisi in charge of establishing the organization’s new military academy.
“An analysis of the war with Israel was undertaken. It found that a large number of Hamas activists ran away from their positions. A failure occurred in decision-making coupled with an inability to use arms during the battle — because of fear,” he said. “A program of study had to be created, in order to improve the situation.”
The new academy was tasked with imparting combat methods and tactics to Hamas terrorists, Abu Sisi said. Hamas men were undertaking their studies at mosques, while passing their final exams in known Gaza universities or in mosques.
“The books and academic materials did not bear the Hamas name or logo,” he said. Instructors include university lecturers, education ministry officials, merchants and others.
