Israeli troops arrested on Thursday a senior Hamas commander during a military operation in the West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian security and the Islamic movement's sources said.

 

Israeli army vehicles stormed Nablus at dawn and detained Omar al-Tirrawi, 40, one of the senior commanders of Ezze el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, the security sources added.

 

Israeli troops surrounded an apartment building and fired at the house. A few hours later, a bulldozer started to demolish the building until the soldiers were able to apprehend al-Tirrawi, residents said.

 

According to Hamas, al-Tirrawi's older brother, Abdel Nasser, is one of the founders of al-Qassam Brigades in the West Bank and he serves two life sentences at an Israeli jail.

 

Hamas sources also accused the security services of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of trying to kidnap al-Tirrawi a few days ago in the city. He exchanged fire with the security services and escaped.

 

The Palestinian National Authority's (PNA) security forces intensified pressure on Hamas in the West Bank for fears that the Islamic movement may take over the territory by force in the same way they seized control of Gaza Strip in mid-June.

 

In Balata refugee camp in Nablus, the Israeli army also arrested an 18-year-old Palestinian during an incursion, the security sources said, adding that the total number of the detainees overnight across the West Bank was 16.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2007)