Hamas trying to add toxic chemicals to bombs

Hamas operatives in the West Bank have experimented with adding toxic chemicals to their bombs, security sources told Haaretz yesterday. The sources said the experiments have involved relatively simple chemicals, and as far as is known, the organization is not yet able to integrate such agents into its bombs effectively. However, they said, Hamas' West Bank cells include several skilled bombmakers who are investing great effort in trying to upgrade their weapons. The organization also is amassing large stocks of explosives so operatives will be ready to launch attacks immediately should its leadership decide to end the security "lull," the sources added.