Hamam Alhamami, a 29-year-old Omani national, recently attempted to take control of flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv as a co-pilot. Security officials believe he had actually begun planning this attack since July, but postponed it due to the presence of a friend among the crew.
International Investigations and Alhamami's Background
Investigations into Hamam Alhamami have now expanded to over eight countries. Police and security officials in at least six countries are working to examine his background and motivations, seeking to answer whether he acted completely alone. In this context, reports indicate that Alhamami used an emergency axe available in the cockpit to attack the pilot.
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Flight FZ1073 had over 180 passengers and crew, almost all of whom were Israeli. Alhamami attacked the pilot after two hours and twenty minutes into the flight. The flight's pilot, Samit Machchar, stated that he felt a blow to his head immediately after Alhamami left his seat for prayer.
Consequences and Reactions
Despite the injuries sustained, Machchar was able to open the security door of the cockpit and allow passengers to subdue Alhamami. A reserve pilot from Fly Dubai who was on the flight took control of the aircraft and landed it at a regional airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials detained Alhamami there.
In the aftermath of this attack, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Alhamami had undergone "extreme Islamic ideological training" and clearly had suicidal tendencies. Additionally, investigations into Alhamami's social background reveal the presence of offensive and threatening content on his social accounts. These findings have raised serious concerns about flight security and existing monitoring systems.
Meanwhile, security officials in the United Arab Emirates have shared information about the passengers and crew of this flight with Israel. While Israeli media have reported that the key database of foreign pilots has not been thoroughly examined, criticism towards Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Miri Regev is increasing. Opponents claim that this incident reflects a collapse of the security system.
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