Court Hears Detainee's Case After Deadly Hit-and-Run in Hadera

The Hadera Magistrate's Court is reviewing the detention of 21-year-old Mahmoud Samhat from Kafr Manda, arrested last Friday. Samhat is accused of hitting 17-year-old Amihai Attia with his car in a Hadera shopping center parking lot. The driver was reportedly shot after the incident, with sources indicating the shooter believed it was a car-ramming attack. Samhat's lawyer, Yusef Shalabi, stated he would request his client's release, while police sought to extend his detention. The court had previously extended Samhat's remand until Tuesday. Media reports suggest the incident may not have a security background, with eyewitnesses claiming Samhat attempted to flee after being attacked by Jewish youths. These accounts suggest the fatal collision was unintentional, occurring as Samhat tried to escape. Eyewitnesses also reported a confrontation prior to the ramming, involving Samhat and individuals participating in a prayer service ahead of the Jewish Day of Atonement. The prayer group reportedly became angry when Samhat unloaded goods during their service, leading to a clash. Samhat then drove away, unintentionally hitting Attia as he fled.