Court Extends Detention of Hamas Operative Linked to October 7
An Ashkelon court extended the detention of Hamas operative Hassan Khawagri by 45 days. Captured in Gaza, he faces severe charges related to the October 7 massacre.
The Ashkelon Magistrate's Court extended the detention of Hamas terrorist Hassan Khawagri by 45 days on Wednesday. The 25-year-old operative, captured in the Gaza Strip, is implicated in the October 7 massacre and multiple acts of violence against Israelis.
Charges and Investigation
Khawagri was apprehended roughly a year and a half after the invasion began and transferred to Israel for interrogation and legal proceedings. He faces severe charges, including murder with extreme abuse, membership in a terrorist organization, armed infiltration, mass terrorist acts, sexual offenses, kidnapping for murder or extortion, and arson aimed at harming human life.
Police representatives Alva Cohen and Master Sergeant Mor Mizrahi emphasized during the hearing that continued detention is necessary due to the complex, ongoing investigation. They noted that Khawagri's actions cannot be separated from the broader scope of the October 7 atrocities given the multitude of suspects and severity of the crimes.
Court Ruling and Defense Claims
Defense attorneys Youssef al-Nasasra and Mahmoud Jabarin argued that Ganot Prison restricts attorney-client visits, unlike facilities such as Shikma, Lavi, or Rakefet.
"Denying visits violates the detainee's rights, and the court must address this matter," the defense stated.
Judge Rafael Yamini of the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court approved the police request, noting that the Deputy State Attorney authorized the extension. Khawagri remains classified as a high risk to state security with a strong likelihood of obstructing the judicial process.
