Palestinians reported on Wednesday morning that Israeli troops effectively besieged a building in a village near Nablus as part of the manhunt for suspects behind a deadly drive by shooting in the West Bank earlier this week.
Three Israeli 19-year-old Yeshiva students were shot and wounded at the Tapuach Junction near the settlement of Itamar on Sunday. Two of the wounded remain hospitalized in serious condition, while the third has already been released from hospital, having been lightly hurt.
Footage allegedly showing IDF troops besieging a building in a Palestinian village
According to locals, the building is located in the eastern part of the Kfar Akraba village, which has been the focus of IDF activity in recent days as part of the ongoing manhunt.
Security forces apparently told residents of the building to leave, then hurled grenades inside the building and fired at the walls. About two hours later, shots were fired inside the building as well. The forces then folded the equipment and left the place.
It's unclear if anyone was arrested during the operation.
Earlier, checkpoints were set up in the area and photos were posted on social media, showing smoke rising from the village after what appeared to be a blast.
Palestinian sources told Ynet the building belongs to a Palestinian named Imad Fathallah Bani Mania, who is affiliated with Hamas. The structure is apparently used for agricultural purposes only. Bani Mania was arrested earlier this week as part of the manhunt for the terrorists.
The military said the main suspect in the attack appears to be 47-year-old Muntasir Shalabi. Several Palestinians have already been arrested on suspicion that they provided shelter and other assistance to Shalabi during the manhunt.