Baby’s Bomber Attire Was a Joke

HEBRON, West Bank —  The grandfather of a Palestinian baby who was photographed in a suicide bomber’s costume--replete with fake explosives, ammunition belt and red Hamas headband--said Saturday that the disguise was a joke.

After denying that the baby in the photo--which made the front pages of Israeli newspapers--was his grandson, Redwan abu Turki finally acknowledged that they were related. “The picture was taken just for the fun of it,” he said.

Abu Turki said his son, Nader, is the baby’s father and is wanted by Israel. He said Nader has been on the run since the army searched the family’s home last week.

The army said it found the photo in a family album while looking for a current picture of Nader.