The Israeli army was beginning to withdraw from the Samarian town of Nablus after beginning a large-scale operation to dismantle terrorist infrastructures, according to Palestinian sources.
The Palestinians reported that Israeli jeeps were leaving the Old City section of Nablus, but said the operation was far from over.
During the operation, which was launched Sunday morning, Israeli forces entered the biblical city of Shechem, uncovering three factories containing explosive devices, antitank rockets, materials for preparation of explosive devices and additional weapons, including military equipment and ammunition. The soldiers also found recording equipment used by suicide bombers to record their final words before they go on their deadly missions. The equipment also included computers and video machines. (photo)
Two Israeli soldiers were wounded and one Palestinian civilian was killed during the raid. A senior commander of the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades expressed skepticism over Israeli troops withdrawing from Nablus and believes it was a ploy to force Palestinian gunmen from their hiding places.
“The explosives labs the army was talking about were apparently also aimed at the Israeli public opinion,” he said.
Israeli troops also demolished two homes, including the home of a senior al-Aksa commander. The armed-military wing of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party vowed revenge.