UAE Confirms Co-Pilot Planned Terror Attack; First Rescue Flight Departs Dubai

The Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates officially confirmed on Saturday that the co-pilot of a Fly Dubai flight, Hamam Al-Hamami, "planned and attempted to carry out a terror act." Al-Hamami confessed during his interrogation that his intention was to crash the plane in Israel. Sources told ABC News that the perpetrator is cooperating with investigators. The incident occurred when the co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency axe.

In parallel, U.S. President Donald Trump released a video enthusiastically praising Israeli passenger Yeniv Hayoun, who reportedly took control of the cockpit and prevented a mass casualty event. Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog announced he would recommend awarding the Civil Heroism Medal to the four Israeli passengers who acted with bravery on the flight. The first rescue flight from Abu Dhabi to Israel departed after significant delays, following the necessary approvals being granted to Israeli airlines.

Further details emerged about the 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, who was previously dismissed from Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc due to concerns over extremist ideology. CNN reported that the suspect had pre-recorded videos for social media, featuring images of El Al and Arkia planes alongside leaders of Al-Qaeda.

In other news, widespread riots continued in France, with over 5,000 arrests related to protests over educational conditions. The violence has spread across major cities, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to address the escalating situation. Separately, the IDF conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, reportedly targeting a Hamas leadership candidate, Ali Al-Aamoudi. The IDF also announced the elimination of two Islamic Jihad commanders: Ahmed Ramlawi, head of the rocket unit in the Shuja'iyya battalion, and Mounir Masri, head of the anti-tank squad, who were allegedly working to restore terror infrastructure in violation of the ceasefire.

In sports, an incident occurred in Ireland where a senior official from the local football association attempted to forcibly seize a microphone from an Israeli reporter. The reporter had questioned the national team's coach about alleged racist remarks made by his players towards the Israeli team.