Israeli security forces on Tuesday captured the top Hamas commander in the occupied West Bank, who is accused of masterminding suicide bombings during a more than 5-year-old Palestinian revolt.
An army spokeswoman said Ibrahim Hamed, 41, was arrested in the West Bank city of Ramallah, ending a manhunt launched in 1998. Hamas confirmed Hamed's identity.
Witnesses said troops surrounded Hamed's hideout, and then forced their way in using lock-busting bombs on the doors. A second Palestinian was also taken into custody in the morning raid, the witnesses said.