Shin Bet (General Security Service) said Thursday that security forces have busted a Hamas terror ring that was planning to carry out suicide bombings in Israel. Most of the arrestees have served jail time in the past for security offenses.

The Shin Bet said that following a months-long operation in the Nablus area, more than 20 Palestinians around Judea and Samaria were discovered to be Hamas activists. Security officials also said that the cell intended to carry out road-side shootings in Judea and Samaria, in addition to suicide bombings in Israeli cities.

From May to August 2016, the cell operated a workshop in Nablus and produced about seven kilograms of TATP explosive material, from which they made bombs that were intended for use on suicide operations in Jerusalem and Haifa, as well as at bus stops. The group also purchased M16 rifles.

“Our investigation unearthed a well-organized, structured Hamas cell. Had it not ben discovered, it would have carried out very bad terror attacks. Thanks to excellent intelligence and operational activities of Shin Bet and IDF forces, the cell was discovered in time.

“Once again, we see the efforts that Hamas is investing into creating terror infrastructure in Judea and Samaria in order to carry out attacks against Israelis,” the security service said in a statement.