Omani co-pilot admits hijacking Flydubai flight to avenge Gaza

An Omani co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, confessed to investigators that he attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on September 30 to avenge Gaza and die as a martyr. He reportedly aimed to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport. Al-Hammami attacked the pilot with an emergency axe, causing the aircraft to lose about 4,900 meters before crew and passengers subdued him. Israeli authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or was recruited during recent visits to countries hostile to Israel. The flight, carrying 174 passengers, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after off-duty pilots stabilized the aircraft. UAE authorities have questioned the cabin crew, ruling out their complicity, while investigators analyze the co-pilot's phone for further evidence.