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The IDF carried out widespread raids in the West Bank of Beit Rima yesterday in a search for the killers of Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi that led to five Palestinians being killed.
The government said two members of the four-man terror cell responsible for his assassination are in custody.
Israel said that among the Palestinians killed were members of Palestinian security forces and Hamas.
Eleven fugitives affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Hamas, and Tanzim were also arrested during the raid and handed over to the General Security Service.
Scores were held for questioning, including the brother of Ze'evi's alleged assassin, officials said.
Government officials were not clear about the exact timing of the arrests. Some said one of the suspects was taken during the raids, and the second was picked up in Azzariya last week when security forces raided the village the night Ze'evi was murdered. The Prime Minister's Office said the arrests occurred "recently."
Alleged assassin Hemdi Korain and his accomplice, Basel Asmer, remained at large.
Conflicting Palestinian reports claimed 10 to 19 were killed in the raid. The PFLP and Hamas vowed to avenge the dead in Beit Rima, north of Ramallah.
"This massacre will not pass without [Prime Minister Ariel] Sharon and his occupation army paying the price," said PFLP spokesman Maher Taher.
Palestinian medical officials accused Israel of delaying medical...