Israeli forces arrest 2 Hamas leaders

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Israeli security forces arrested two Hamas leaders in the West Bank.

Faraj Rummana and Hussein Abu Kwaik, senior activists in the radical Islamist group, were taken into custody in Ramallah early Tuesday.

Military officials said the men were wanted for their involvement in Hamas operations, though it was not immediately clear if they would be prosecuted or on what charges. They previously served lengthy prison terms in Israel for terrorist attacks.

On Saturday, Palestinian Authority police briefly detained Rummana and Abu Kwaik but released them after questioning.

Rummana later said the two were asked about their criticism of the rival Fatah faction, which is headed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and urged to make sure Hamas does not try to disrupt President Bush’s visit to the region this week.

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