Israeli Troops Attack West Bank Prison
Jerusalem – Israeli troops attacked a prison in the West Bank city, Jericho, early Tuesday in a bid to capture several Palestinian militants, including one jailed in connection with the assassination of an Israeli cabinet minister in 2001. At least two Palestinian security guards were killed in the operation.
Fighting is reported around the prison, on the outskirts of Jericho, where Israeli troops are demanding that Ahmed Saadat, a leader of the militant Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, turn himself over to Israeli authorities. Gidom Ezra, Israel’s interim security minister says the operation was approved by acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Mr. Ezra says the decision to try to capture Saadat and other militants was taken after Palestinian authorities, including President Mahmoud Abbas, said they were prepared to release the militants.
The PFLP claimed responsibility for the killing of Rehavam Zeevi, Israel’s tourism minister, in 2001.
Palestinian Authority officials have condemned the prison attack, which occurred shortly after international monitors, who supervise the prison, vacated the premises early Tuesday.
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