A Palestinian was the ringleader of the cell that carried out the bombings in Sinai nearly three weeks ago, according to Egyptian sources.
Egyptian authorities have arrested five people for their alleged involvement in the bombings. The attacks killed 34 people including 13 Egyptians, 10 Israelis and tourists of other nationalities.
According to the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram the mastermind behind the cell that carried out the attacks was identified as a Palestinian named Iyad Said ‘Salah who was apparently killed along with an Egyptian accomplice.
The Egyptian Interior Ministry announced the two intended to escape the scene of the Hilton bombing but the explosives blew up prematurely and they were killed.
The ministry said the Palestinian was a resident of Al-‘Arish, located on the Egyptian side of the Gaza Strip.
One of those arrested is the brother of the Egyptian accomplice who is suspected of driving one of the explosive-laden cars that blew up in Ras A-Sheitan.
Two other accomplices still remain at large.
An “official source” told Al-Ahram that the group was seeking revenge against the Israelis following the recent events in the Palestinian territories.
Shortly after the bombings, various groups assumed responsibility for the bombings, including groups linked to Al-Qa’ida, although none of these announcements have been confirmed by security sources yet.