Ali Irar

Born on 27 February 1994 in Ramallah, Ali Saji Ribhi Irar grew up amid the political and military turbulence of the West Bank, a region where daily life is inseparable from the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. His early years were shaped by the pervasive presence of checkpoints, raids, and the normalization of resistance rhetoric.

Irar was arrested on 27 January 2024 along with Anan Yaeesh and Mansour Doghmosh, under Art. 270 bis for participation in a terrorist association.

Irar’s radicalization appears gradual and relational. The chats documented by investigators reveal admiration for fighters in Tulkarem, emotional investment in their successes and deaths, and an increasing ideological polarization driven by online content. Irar was deeply affected by video footage of clashes, martyrdom announcements, and the growing narrative of a new cycle of resistance. His proximity to Yaeesh —both physical and ideological—deepened this trajectory.

What emerges is a portrait of a young man who, while lacking Yaeesh’s battlefield past, embraced the militant worldview wholeheartedly. His digital behavior—sharing videos, commenting on attacks, forwarding encrypted messages—shows ideological commitment and operational involvement.

The Italian investigation identifies Irar as the logistical and communicative backbone supporting Yaeesh’s leadership. He was trusted to handle sensitive information, send encrypted material to fighters, and manage multiple communication devices. His reliability is evident: fighters abroad routinely sought confirmation and updates from him, treating him as an integral node in the network.

Through his shared residence with Yaeesh in Via del Bargello, Irar functioned as a secondary operator, ensuring continuity of communication, structuring files, and occasionally drafting or forwarding internal communiqués of the Brigate Martiri di Al‑Aqsa.

Irar handled the circulation of videos, photos, voice messages, and battlefield updates. His devices contained propaganda materials, images of armed militants, and discussions about weapons procurement. One of the clearest indicators of his role was his management of financial flows—coordinating or commenting on transfers meant for fighters and families.

In the days leading up to the arrests, Irar attempted to withdraw funds from local ATMs, behavior interpreted by investigators as evidence of an imminent attempt to escape or to deliver funds to the organization.

Through wiretaps and device analysis, Irar can be seen: discussing tactical situations with fighters; coordinating information between Italy and Palestine; praising militant actions; transferring propaganda packages; and assisting Yaeesh in maintaining the organizational hierarchy.

His role was essential not because of independent leadership, but because he served as the trusted operational conduit that allowed Yaeesh to work uninterrupted. His dependence on Yaeesh does not diminish his danger; on the contrary, it demonstrates the formation of a tight, compartmentalized cell. Nevertheless, on January 2026, he was acquitted by the L’Aquila Court along with Mansour Doghmosh; while Anan Yaeesh was convicted.