New details from the investigation into the attempted destruction of the Israel-bound Flydubai flight may explain what passengers witnessed immediately after the alleged attack.

According to information reported by Israel’s Channel 12, co-pilot Hammam Al Hammami told investigators that his actions were motivated by the war in Gaza.

“I did it as revenge for Gaza. I wanted to die as a shahid,” he reportedly said during questioning.

That reported statement could also explain something Israeli hero Yaniv Hayoun and other passengers say happened after they overpowered and restrained Al Hammami.

According to Hayoun’s account, the subdued co-pilot repeatedly begged the Israelis to kill him, saying over and over in English:

“Kill me! Kill me!”

If investigators confirm his reported confession, those pleas take on new significance: Al Hammami allegedly expected his attack to end with his own death and viewed dying during it as martyrdom.

But investigators are now pursuing another critical question: Did he act alone?

Israel’s Shin Bet is involved in the investigation, while authorities are examining whether Al Hammami received assistance, instructions or encouragement from another person or organization. His cellphone is reportedly a major focus, with Saudi and Emirati investigators examining his communications, contacts and activities leading up to the flight.

Investigators are also examining trips Al Hammami reportedly made to countries hostile to Israel. According to the report, a Mossad representative told Israeli ministers that authorities are investigating whether he could have been recruited or directed during one of those visits.

UAE authorities have also questioned the flight attendants. Information transferred to Israel reportedly has not produced evidence that crew members knowingly participated in the alleged plot, although Israeli investigators have not been permitted to question them directly.

What began as questions about what happened inside the cockpit is now developing into a much wider investigation: Was Al Hammami a lone attacker seeking revenge for Gaza and hoping to die as a shahid, or was someone else behind him?