IDF kills wanted suspect near Jenin

Palestinian opened fire on IDF forces surrounding his home

Reuters | Published: 09.19.06, 09:32

A wanted Palestinian suspect has been killed early Tuesday by IDF forces in the course of an operation near the West Bank town of Jenin. The IDF said the suspect fired at forces surrounding his home, prompting IDF return fire, killing the suspect.

Palestinian sources in Jenin said the Palestinian killed during IDF activities near the city was Nabil Hanani, a resident of the Bet Fourik village near Nablus.

According to one report, Hanani is a member of the Hashiva Brigades, an armed group identified with Fatah. Another report claims Hanani is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine group.

Meanwhile, 14 wanted suspects have been arrested by IDF forces in the West Bank overnight. The suspects are being held for questioning.

Last week, the Air Force attacked a home in Rafah in south Gaza. The IDF said the target was the home of a Hamas member, under which a tunnel was dug to smuggle weapons. After the attack, a number of follow-up explosions were heard, backing the IDF's claim on the existence of many weapons in the area.

The IDF added that residents of the home were warned to leave the building before the attack. There were no reports of injuries.