Ex-Doctor Jailed for ISIS Membership After Downloading Bomb Manuals

Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks and the outbreak of the war, Azzam's identification with the group culminated in his decision to join ISIS and pledge allegiance to its leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. Investigators discovered detailed manuals for preparing explosives and poisons on his electronic devices. According to Israel National News, Azzam also expressed delight in conversations with an extremist abroad, sharing videos of Hamas atrocities, and wished for the death of a wounded IDF soldier being treated at his hospital.

Judge Shosh Shitrit emphasized that Azzam's actions indicated a deep, ongoing radicalization process and the development of operational capabilities, posing a severe threat to national security and public safety. The court highlighted the stark contrast between his professional duty as a doctor in a public hospital treating civilians and wounded soldiers and his choice to join a murderous terrorist organization. While Mignews reported that the court considered his work treating Israeli citizens and soldiers as a mitigating factor, other outlets noted his professional role was treated as an aggravating factor. His medical license is currently under review by the Ministry of Health.