Special to WorldTribune.com

RAMALLAH — Israel has arrested much of the Hamas leadership in the
West Bank.

The Israel Army has reported the arrest of 25 Hamas operatives on Feb. 4 in the West Bank. The detainees included three Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council as well as others in such cities as Hebron and Ramallah.

“Twenty-five Palestinians were arrested all over the West Bank
overnight,” the Army said.

The PLC members were identified as Ahmed Atoun, Hatem Kafisha and Mohammed Al Tal. So far, Israel has detained 12 of the 74 members of the 132-seat PLC.

Officials said the Israeli crackdown was part of an effort to stop
rising attacks in the West Bank. They said Hamas was believed to have been cooperating with other Palestinian insurgents, including those from the ruling Fatah movement, in targeting Israeli soldiers and civilians.

“Although most of the detainees were linked to the civilian side of
Hamas, they play a role in mobilizing support for violence,” an official
said.

  Ahmed Atoun, Fatah, Hatem Kafisha, Hebron, including legislative leaders, Israel arrests 25 Hamas leaders in West Bank, Mohammed Al Tal, Palestinian Legislative Council, Ramallah