Jordanian authorities have issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate relocation of Ahlam al-Tamimi, a convicted terrorist released in IDF soldier Gilad Shalit's prisoner exchange in 2011, or face her extradition to the United States, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper reported.
In an overnight communication Sunday, Jordanian officials informed Hamas leadership in Qatar that they must secure another country willing to accept al-Tamimi, or Jordan will proceed with her extradition to US authorities, according to sources familiar with the situation. These same sources revealed that Jordan has taken a firm stance against accepting any terrorists deported under the current hostage deal. Reports indicate that al-Tamimi's family has appealed to Hamas to address her situation during negotiations with Israel.
On August 9, 2001, al-Tamimi led a Hamas bomber carrying explosives to the Sbarro restaurant in central Jerusalem, specifically chosen as the target during the busy lunch hour. The subsequent attack claimed 15 lives, including seven children and two Americans, and injured over 120 people.
Hamas-affiliated media outlets report that Jordanian authorities have given the terror organization a 24-hour deadline to comply with their demands before initiating extradition proceedings.
The US government has maintained a standing reward of up to $5 million for information leading to al-Tamimi. With the recent transition to the Trump administration, there may be new diplomatic communications regarding her case. During his previous presidency, the Trump administration actively sought her extradition to face criminal charges.
A well-placed source informed Jordanian media that al-Tamimi's departure would be immediate. The source confirmed that Jordan had established contact with the Hamas leadership, the organization to which the Shalit deal released terrorist maintains affiliation.
