What type of guy, deep down, is the former deputy Tanzim terrorist "freedom fighter" chief of Bethlehem? Apparently, just a small-time thief - as Belgium has found out the hard way.
It will be recalled that in May 2002, Israel agreed to deport 13 of the most heavily-wanted terrorists hiding out in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Twenty-six others were sent to Gaza. The 13, responsible for the murder of many Israelis, were distributed among several European countries, with the understanding that they would remain there between three and six years, unless a PLO state is established first, in which case they would be permitted to enter it. One of the 13 was Halil Al-Nawara, whom the Belgians agreed to host and even provide with a monthly stipend. This week Al-Nawara was arrested by local police for his part in a series of armed robberies of banks and post offices.
It will be recalled that in May 2002, Israel agreed to deport 13 of the most heavily-wanted terrorists hiding out in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Twenty-six others were sent to Gaza. The 13, responsible for the murder of many Israelis, were distributed among several European countries, with the understanding that they would remain there between three and six years, unless a PLO state is established first, in which case they would be permitted to enter it. One of the 13 was Halil Al-Nawara, whom the Belgians agreed to host and even provide with a monthly stipend. This week Al-Nawara was arrested by local police for his part in a series of armed robberies of banks and post offices.