Flydubai co-pilot told investigators he attacked captain over Gaza war

Investigators probing the cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv are examining the co-pilot's reported motive, with Israeli media citing interrogators that he acted in retaliation for the Gaza war and sought martyrdom. The UAE has not publicly confirmed these details. The September 30 incident on Flight FZ1073 involved Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacking the Indian captain with a crash axe and attempting to take control, causing a steep descent before passengers and off-duty pilots intervened. The flight diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with 182 people aboard. Investigators are still determining if the attack was pre-planned, if al-Hammami had extremist links, or if others were involved. The incident has raised concerns about pilot background checks and information-sharing, with Israel planning tighter security for pilots flying into the country.