The Israeli publication Ynet cites a high-ranking source in Abu Dhabi. He did not rule out that after the investigation is completed, al-Hammami may be sentenced to death. The source explained that the authorities consider the incident to be an extremely serious crime, despite the fact that no passengers were killed. The Times also reported that the UAE prosecution is considering seeking the maximum penalty. At the time of the news release, UAE authorities officially confirmed only that the incident on flight FZ1073 is being investigated as a terrorist act. As of October 5, formal charges against al-Hammami had not yet been filed. He is in custody in the Emirates after being transferred there from Saudi Arabia. The investigation believes that the 29-year-old co-pilot had previously searched for an airline operating flights to Tel Aviv and planned to use a passenger plane for an attack in Israel. Among the alleged targets were Ben Gurion Airport and the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv. Investigators are also determining whether he acted alone and if he had connections to terrorist organizations.
