News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) According to a Shin Bet General Security Service report, Palestinian Authority forces have arrested 250 Hamas terrorists in the past month.  The PA is currently run by Fatah, which has been hostile to Hamas since the group’s violent takeover of Gaza several months ago.

Most of the terrorists were arrested in Shechem, where PA forces are attempting to take control of the city and prove that they can be trusted to fight terrorism.  Many were arrested in other major Arab cities in Judea and Samaria.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the report showed the PA was making an effort to control areas under its control.  Israel will continue to carry out counter-terrorist operations in Shechem and other areas in which PA forces are active despite the PA’s objections, he said.