Co-pilot in FlyDubai attack is identified, and other Mideast developments

Authorities identified the suspected co-pilot in this week’s FlyDubai attack as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Three people familiar with the case, including a Gulf and a Western diplomat, said the information was shared on condition of anonymity. The UAE said the co-pilot attacked the captain using the cockpit’s crash axe and attempted to take control in a “terrorist attack.” The suspect was described as having nearly crashed the sharply plunging flight carrying 182 people. Separately, officials said Oman had barred him from flying over concerns he adopted extremist views. Investigators are trying to determine whether he acted alone or had connections to extremist groups. The report also covered developments in Gaza, including Israeli strikes killing five people, four of them women, according to al-Shifa Hospital.