Jerusalem man charged with contacting Hamas

BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem has been indicted for contacting Hamas operatives during his studies in Cyprus and allegedly agreeing to gather intelligence on Israel, Israeli media reported Monday.

The indictment filed by the Jerusalem District Prosecution said Ahmad Awad, 22, became acquainted with two Hamas affiliates from Gaza with one identified as Hamad Asham introducing him to the Jerusalem Muslim Brotherhood, the Israeli news site Ynet reported.

The indictment read that Awad was told Hamas would fund half of his university tuition and living expenses in exchange for information, Ynet reported. Going by the name Khaled, Awad was asked to compile reports, submitting one on his neighborhood, the indictment says. He and Asham were arrested when they returned from Turkey to Israel, according to the report.