Key Suspect in 1982 Paris Antisemitic Attack Arrested in West Bank

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Key Suspect in 1982 Paris Antisemitic Attack Arrested in West Bank

2 months ago

News sources:

LEMONDE

REUTERS

AFRICANEWS

BBC

ALJAZEERA

Key Suspect in 1982 Paris Antisemitic Attack Arrested in West Bank

Credited from: REUTERS

Key suspect in 1982 Paris restaurant attack arrested by Palestinian authorities.
Hicham Harb led an attack that killed six and injured 22 patrons.
France welcomes the arrest amidst plans to recognize a Palestinian state.

Palestinian authorities have arrested Hicham Harb, a key suspect in the 1982 antisemitic attack on the Jo Goldenberg restaurant in Paris, which left six dead and 22 injured. The arrest occurred in the occupied West Bank and has been praised by French officials, highlighting cooperation between France and the Palestinian Authority, according to Le Monde, Reuters, and Africanews.

Harb, also known as Mahmoud Khader Abed Adra, is believed to have overseen the attack, which was one of the deadliest antisemitic events in modern French history. His arrest follows a 2015 international warrant and comes just before France plans to recognize a Palestinian state, as highlighted by French President Emmanuel Macron's emphasis on the importance of this cooperation in a post on X, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

This incident is rooted in a larger historical context of violence associated with Palestinian militant groups, notably the Abu Nidal organization, which is connected to various international attacks since the 1970s. Harb's arrest could pave the way for his extradition, as France previously indicted him on charges related to the 1982 attack, including murder and attempted murder, according to Le Monde and Reuters.