Jerusalem: An Israeli military court on Tuesday handed three life sentences to a Palestinian militant convicted of organizing the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers.

Hossam Qawasme was also ordered to pay 250,000 shekels ($63,000/53,000 euros) in compensation to each of the three families at a hearing at Ofer military court near the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Qawasme was arrested in connection with organizing and financing the June 12 kidnapping of the three teenagers that triggered a series of events that led to a deadly 50-day war in Gaza. “The accused was convicted of the most serious crimes ... ,” court documents said. “As a result of his actions, the accused is sentenced to three life terms. He will be removed from society and spend the rest of his life in prison. In addition he will pay compensation of 250,000 shekels to each of the families of the youths.”

His two accomplices, Amer Abu Eisha, 32, and Marwan Qawasme, 29, who carried out the attack, were both shot dead during an exchange of fire with the Israeli Army in Hebron in late September.