Fatah operative killed by IDF in Nablus
Muhammed Abu Driyah dies of his wounds after being shot during arrest attempt. Palestinians say he had been granted clemency by Israel as part of amnesty agreement, but Israel asserts he had returned to terrorism
A Fatah operative who shot Monday evening in the West Bank city of Nablus by Israel Defense Forces soldiers trying to arrest him died of his wounds.
Palestinian sources told Ynet that Muhammad Abu Driyah was granted clemency by Israel as part of a deal with Fatah. Abu Dria had belonged to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, the military wing of Fatah.
In return for his pledge to relinquish terrorism he was released from prison and was allowed free movement throughout the West Bank.
The army said troops identified Abu Driyah and called on him to stop, when he did not do so they proceeded with the arrest procedure which included gunfire when he continued to flee. After being wounded Abu Driyah was evacuated to an Israeli hospital for treatment, but succumbed to his wounds several hours later.
Palestinian sources in Nablus told Ynet that Abu Driyah currently served with the Palestinian Authority's security forces, and was in a vehicle belonging to the PA at the time of the arrest attempt.
A Palestinian inquiry established Israel believed he had renewed his involvement in terrorism, as opposed to the amnesty agreement.
On Sunday night the IDF arrested six wanted Palestinians in Nablus. The army said the men were taken
for questioning by security forces.
Last year hundreds of Palestinian policemen were deployed to the streets of Nablus following an agreement with Israel. Their success in maintaining order in the city led to the formation of similar forces in Hebron, Jenin and Bethlehem.
The Palestinians rejected the IDF's claim however, saying there had been no arrest attempt but that soldiers showered the car with gunfire.
Ali Waked contributed to this report
