The Israeli army issued a statement revealing that Israeli soldiers kidnapped a Palestinian fighter, reportedly a member of Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, and that the fighter is believed to be behind a shooting attack against settler’s vehicles near Bethlehem.The army stated that the attack, carried out in an area that does not witness frequent attacks, indicates that the Hamas movement is trying to carry future attacks in the occupied West Bank, Israeli daily, Haaretz reported.
The settlers vehicle was driving on a settlers only street, south of Jerusalem, and none of those in the vehicle were hurt.
On Sunday, the army located a backpack with a Kalashnikov rifle hidden in it, and reported that one Palestinian was arrested.
Haaretz said that four Israelis were killed nearly two months ago in a West Bank shooting attack, and that several days later, another shooting attack was carried out leading to several injuries. Israel believes that Hamas is behind the attacks.
Nearly three weeks ago, soldiers kidnapped three Palestinians, believed to be members of the al-Qassam Brigades, and that the fighters are involved in attacks against soldiers and settlers.
According to Haaretz, the Israeli army estimates that the Hamas movement is trying to escalate its attacks in the occupied West Bank, and that the gunmen behind the attacks are “fighters who were previously imprisoned by Israel, and continued their activities after they were released”.
