Dubai police chief quoted saying probe shows Israel spy agency Mossad linked to Hamas killing

Dubai police: Mossad involved in Hamas slaying

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai’s police chief says the investigation into the killing of a Hamas commander now points almost certainly to Israel’s Mossad spy agency.

The Web site of UAE daily The National on Thursday quoted Lt. Gen. Dahi Khalfan Tamim saying a probe into the slaying “reveal(s) that Mossad is involved in the murder” of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.

He says it “is 99 percent, if not 100 percent that Mossad is standing behind the murder.”

The National is owned by the government of Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE.

Tamim could not immediately be reached for comment.

Names on the passports of seven suspects implicated matched those of people living in Israel, raising possible links.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A UAE official says the number of suspects in the Dubai slaying of a Hamas commander has grown to at least 18.

The official, who has close knowledge of the investigation, says the list includes 11 people identified earlier this week, two Palestinians in custody and five others.

The official says two women are among the suspects in last month’s slaying of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday in line with standing policies.

Dubai police Monday released names and photos of 11 suspects — 10 men and one woman — who entered the country on fraudulent European passports.

Names on the passports matched seven people living in Israel, raising possible links to Israel’s Mossad spy agency.