Palestinians wounded during the current conflict and taken to Iran for medical treatment are being trained to carry out terrorist attacks once they return to Palestinian Authority-controlled territories, according to a Shin Bet report on Iranian activities inflaming the ongoing violence.

Among the arrested terrorists suspected of being sent back by Iran is Hisham Abu Harb, of Khan Yunis, a member of PA Chairman Yasser Arafat´s Force 17 presidential guard.

According to the Shin Bet report, Israel agreed to allow wounded Palestinians to travel to Iran for humanitarian reasons. Once they arrive there, they are evaluated by Revolutionary Guard officials to determine if they can be recruited to carry out terrorist attacks. If so, they are given military training.

Among the Palestinians who have been trained in Iran are Munir Hantash, 27, of Kalkilya, who was unable to undergo military training due to his wounds, but promised the Iranians he would recruit Palestinians, the report said.

Six months after he came back to the West Bank, he returned to Iran for further instruction, and received training and $5,000 for his activities. Upon his return to the West Bank, he oversaw shooting attacks in the Nablus and Kalkilya areas, in which there were no casualties. He was arrested this past October. (With the Itim news agency) (© 1995-2002, The Jerusalem Post 12/26/02)