(Communicated by the IDF Spokesman)
 
Yesterday, the Military Court of Judea sentenced Iad Abed el Muati Rajab Abu Shehadam to 18 life sentences for his involvement in the twin suicide bombing in Be'er Sheva in 2004, in which 16 civilians were killed, as well as for other offenses.

Shehadam was a member of the Hamas terrorist organization in Hebron. He manufactured the explosive belts that were used by the suicide bombers in the terror attack in Be'er Sheva on August 31, 2004, in which two suicide bombers exploded themselves on two buses killing 16 passengers and injuring 91 civilians.

Shehadam also manufactured another explosive belt which was intended to be used in a suicide bombing at the "Kafit" cafe in Jerusalem. Luckily, in this case, the suicide bomber had second thoughts at the last moment and the terror attack was thwarted. Shehadam planned to continue manufacturing bombs for further suicide bombing attacks. He did not express regret for his actions.

Shehadam was convicted on the 18th of November of being an accomplice to murder and an accomplice to attempted murder, as well as conspiracy to commit murder and membership in an illegal organization. He was sentenced to 18 life sentences.