Israeli media was unable to independently confirm that Asmar was the father.
By Shula Rosen
A Palestinian terrorist serving a life sentence for his role in the 2001 assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi reportedly fathered twins after his sperm was smuggled out of Nafha Prison, Palestinian media reported.
Basel al-Asmar’s wife, Sanabel Al-Ra’i, announced the birth of a boy and a girl at a hospital in Kalkilya following the alleged smuggling operation, which was celebrated by Hamas-affiliated media.
Asmar’s nephew told Palestinian media that the couple made multiple attempts to conceive over a two-year period before the twins were born.
The Jerusalem Post said it was unable to independently confirm that Asmar was the father.
Asmar is serving a life sentence plus additional years for his involvement in Ze’evi’s assassination at Jerusalem’s Hyatt on October 17, 2001.
He is also imprisoned for membership in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Asmar and Ra’i first met while he was incarcerated, according to the Hamas-affiliated Shehab News Agency. Ra’i had gone to the prison to visit her brother, Shaher Al-Ra’i, a PFLP member who was suspected of responsibility for the killing of two Israeli hikers but was never convicted.
Asmar and Ra’i subsequently married by proxy.
The reported birth comes a year after the Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office said Asmar was in poor health and accused Israeli authorities of denying him medical treatment.
The office also said his family had been prevented from visiting him because of concerns about retaliatory action by authorities.
Asmar is not the first Palestinian prisoner reported to have fathered children while incarcerated through sperm smuggling.
More than 100 children have been born to Palestinian prisoners through sperm smuggled out of detention facilities since 2012, according to Palestinian reports.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!