Israel’s internal security service, the Shin Bet, broke up a Hamas operation in the West Bank City of Hebron, The Jerusalem Post reported Tuesday.

The Shin Bet charged that the ring, which was headed by Nizar Shehadeh and Faras Abu Sharah, both described as “senior Hamas operatives,” who had been jailed for terror-related activities in the past. The ring operated in coordination with both Hamas headquarters abroad and in the Gaza Strip to promote terror. Among the activities members of the operation are charged with include preaching, recruiting and incitement.

They were also accused of sharing intelligence and financing terror-related activities.

Those arrested, including a number of women, attempted to take over Hebron’s municipal government as well several charities in the area.

The Shin Bet’s statement announcing the arrests said, “The exposure of the infrastructure proves once again that the Hamas headquarters in the Gaza Strip and abroad are directing Hamas activities in Judea and Samaria, through of any means at their disposal, including through the use of women.”

The statement added, “These elements are constantly working to inflame Hamas activity in the West Bank and to this end recruit emissaries traveling on the route between the West Bank and abroad for the purpose of transferring terrorist funds and messages to operatives in the field.”

Women, including Dina Karmi, the widow of Hamas terrorist Nashat Karmi, were charged with serving as the “operational arm” of the organization.

Members of the cell traveled abroad to meet with Hamas commanders who were released from jail in the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange and expelled. During one such mission, members met with Haroun Nasser Adin in Turkey to receive instructions and funding.

[Photo: The Telegraph / YouTube ]