An Islamic Jihad Leader In West Bank Is Killed
Associated Press
Sunday, July 30, 2006; Page A18
NABLUS, West Bank, July 29 -- Israeli troops killed two Islamic Jihad members Saturday, including the man the group described as the leader of its militant wing in the West Bank city of Nablus.
The group initially said in an announcement over mosque loudspeakers that Hani Awijan, 29, was the leader of its military wing in the West Bank. However, other members of the group later said Awijan led gunmen in Nablus only.
  Islamic Jihad supporters burn an Israeli flag during a rally in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis in this Friday March 3, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) (Adel Hana - AP)
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Initial reports said Awijan was shot by Israeli undercover troops trying to arrest him while he played soccer with friends and relatives.
The army confirmed that soldiers operated in Nablus and that a militant was killed in an exchange of gunfire.
Israel Radio said Awijan was responsible for a series of attacks on Israelis.
News of the arrest raid spread through Nablus, and large crowds gathered at the hospital. Militants burned tires in the streets and called for a general strike in the city. Shops were quickly closed.