Israel nabs Hamas cell in Hebron

JERUSALEM, May 21 (JTA) — Israeli security forces have uncovered a Hamas terrorist cell in the Hebron area whose members are suspected of involvement in attacks against Israel. Israel Radio reported that in recent weeks, security forces had detained dozens of residents from villages around Hebron and Bethlehem. The radio said suspected members of the cell were being questioned. Earlier this year, Israel arrested members of a Hamas terrorist cell from the Hebron-area village of Tsurif, which was responsible for murdering 11 Israelis and wounding dozens in attacks over the past two years. The six-member cell was responsible for the kidnap-murder of Israeli soldier Sharon Edri, whose body was recovered when the cell was cracked, as well as for the suicide bombing at a Tel Aviv cafe in March, in which three Israeli women were killed. Three members of the cell are held by Palestinian security forces.