HEBRON, West Bank (AFP) - The Israeli army arrested a top military leader of the radical Palestinian group Hamas, accused of masterminding a string of deadly anti-Israeli attacks, Palestinian witnesses and Israeli radio said.
Imad Qawasmeh, 32, who has been held responsible by Israel for masterminding a double suicide bombing in the town of Beersheva in August, was arrested in the main southern West Bank town of Hebron, the sources said.
An army spokesman confirmed that "a senior wanted Hamas official" had been arrested in Hebron, without revealing his identity.
Witnesses said troops surrounded and partially destroyed the house in which Qawasmeh had been hiding in Hebron, summoning him through a hailspeaker to turn himself in.
Qawasmeh came out barechested, his hands up in the air.
He walked slowly towards the soldiers who were holding him at gunpoint until two of them pushed him to the ground and handcuffed him, they said.
Palestinian security sources said three of his brothers were arrested by the army several months ago.