Middle East

Hamas announces arrest in shooting of top militant

Associated Press
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FILE -- In this March, 25, 2017 file photo, gunmen from the Qassam brigade, the militia wing of Hamas, carry the body of Mazen Faqha, a top militant commander, during his funeral in Gaza City. Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' supreme leader, announced Thursday May 11, 2017, the arrest of a suspect in the shooting death of Faqha in March. Haniyeh refused to identify the suspect, but said that Hamas had determined the gunman, apparently a local Palestinian, had acted on the orders of Israel and he expected the suspect to be executed. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra, File) (The Associated Press)

Hamas Supreme Leader Ismail Haniyeh announces the arrest of a suspect in the March shooting death of Mazen Faqha, a top Hamas militant commander, in a hastily arranged news conference in front of Fagha's home, in Gaza City, Thursday, May 11, 2017. Haniyeh refused to identify the suspect, but said that Hamas had determined the gunman, apparently a local Palestinian, had acted on the orders of Israel and he expected the suspect would face execution. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) (The Associated Press)

Supporters chant Islamic slogans as Hamas Supreme Leader Ismail Haniyeh, center, announces the arrest of a suspect in the March shooting death of Mazen Faqha, a top Hamas militant commander, in a hastily arranged news conference attended by Faqha's widow Nahed Asida, in front of Fagha's home, in Gaza City, Thursday, May 11, 2017. Haniyeh refused to identify the suspect, but said that Hamas had determined the gunman, apparently a local Palestinian, had acted on the orders of Israel and he expected the suspect would face execution. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) (The Associated Press)

Hamas' supreme leader has announced the arrest of a suspect in the shooting death of a top militant commander in March.

Ismail Haniyeh refused to identify the suspect, but said that Hamas had determined the gunman, apparently a local Palestinian, had acted on the orders of Israel.

Haniyeh told reporters Thursday that "all the evidence we have ... indicates the perpetrator committed this crime based on orders from the Israeli occupation." He said more details would be released in coming days, and he expected the suspect to be executed.

The militant, Mazen Faqha, was found dead in the garage of his Gaza City apartment building on March 24. Hamas said he was shot with a silenced gun and accused Israel of "assassinating" him.

Israel has not commented on the killing.