The hacking group Anonymous, a loose network of affiliated computer hackers, said in a statement that it had targeted Israeli cabinet sites after authorities on Monday released all suspects who had allegedly been detained in relation to the murders, Middle East Eye website reported on Tuesday.
Eighteen-month-old Ali Dawabsha died on 31 July after the family’s home near the West Bank town of Nablus was set alight by attackers believed to be Israeli settlers.
His father, Saad Dawabsha, died on Saturday of his injuries, while his wife, Reham, and older son, Ahmad, remain in hospital in critical condition.
In the wake of the deadly arson, in which the attackers spray-painted the words “revenge” and “Long live the Messiah” on the walls of the family home, Israeli authorities have been under pressure to stamp out settler violence.
Nine people were reportedly arrested in connection with the attack in a move to fend off criticisms over settler violence, but were all released on Monday according to the Israeli security services, Shin Bet.
Anonymous said on Tuesday that their hacking attack was a response to the decision by the “criminal state” to release the suspects.
Websites targeted included that of the Prime Minister’s office, the Israeli Defence Forces, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Finance.