Israeli military sources said Sunday that the Israeli operations in Qalqilyah on Saturday prevented “one of the largest terror attacks seen in Israel.”
The sources said that the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) planned to detonate huge explosive devices underneath at least one skyscraper in the center of Israel.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s security service, received information regarding a planned attack by the PFLP, and Israeli forces subsequently entered Qalqilyah, where they operated for over 24 hours, the Israeli media reported.
During the operation, two wanted activists were arrested. One of those detained was Mussa Ibrahim Nazal, 33, the head of the PFLP, in the city, who Israel claims was behind the suicide bombing at Karnei Shomron settlement two months ago.
Israeli sources also said that they had discovered a booby-trapped car carrying a large explosive load, which they suspected was intended for use in a bombing in Tel Aviv.
Furthermore, 20 other Palestinians were detained for questioning, nine of whom were later released. Most of those held belong to the PFLP, and some of them were planning suicide attacks.
According to the Israeli reports, the Israeli operation in the city uncovered three bomb-making factories, from which soldiers confiscated explosive belts, pipe bombs and hand grenades. (Albawaba.com)
