The Islamic Resistance Hamas movement announced Tuesday the death of one of its members in the Netanya car bomb that left at least 35 people injured January 1, reported the Jerusalem Post newspaper in its internet edition.
AFP quoted a statement by the movement as saying that the militant wing of Hamas, the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades, said Hamid Abu Hejla was responsible for the "heroic suicide act in the heart of Netanya."
Abu Hejla was identified by his family in the northern West Bank town of Nablus as a 24-year-old university engineering student, said the agency.
The Hamas member died of his wounds Monday, reported Haaretz newspaper, quoting the Army Radio.
The Israelis were not able to identify him, the radio said.
No one came to visit the man during his stay in the hospital, it added.
"We in the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades confirm to our sons and daughters that with the force of God we will hit in every appropriate place and at the appropriate time," the statement warned.
Following the attack, Israeli security forces imposed a complete closure on Palestinian territories, and closed Gaza Airport, according to press reports -- (Several Sources)
