Israeli security force members stop a car as part of efforts to capture six Palestinian men who escaped from Gilboa prison in northern Israel. Reuters
Israeli security force members stop a car as part of efforts to capture six Palestinian men who escaped from Gilboa prison in northern Israel. Reuters
Israeli security force members stop a car as part of efforts to capture six Palestinian men who escaped from Gilboa prison in northern Israel. Reuters
Israeli security force members stop a car as part of efforts to capture six Palestinian men who escaped from Gilboa prison in northern Israel. Reuters

MENA

Israel detains more relatives of escaped Palestinian prisoners

Palestinian Prisoners Club says two brothers and a sister of suspected mastermind arrested in West Bank

AFP
Ramallah, Palestinian Territories, Sept 10, 2021 (AFP)

September 10, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The Israeli Army on Friday arrested more relatives of six escaped Palestinian prisoners, an advocacy body said, as troops kept up a massive manhunt in the occupied West Bank.

Israel has poured troops into the Palestinian territory since Monday's breakout by six militants from the high security Gilboa prison in northern Israel through a tunnel dug under a sink in a cell.

Six Palestinians have escaped from Gilboa prison in northern Israel. Getty
Six Palestinians have escaped from Gilboa prison in northern Israel. Getty
The prisoners, who include former Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades leader Zakaria Zubeidi, are believed to have escaped at night through a tunnel. Getty
The prisoners, who include former Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades leader Zakaria Zubeidi, are believed to have escaped at night through a tunnel. Getty
Prison authorities have started a manhunt in northern Israel and the occupied West Bank. Getty
Prison authorities have started a manhunt in northern Israel and the occupied West Bank. Getty
The Israel Prison Service has said an alert was sounded at about 3am after 'suspicious figures' were seen outside the prison. Reuters
The Israel Prison Service has said an alert was sounded at about 3am after 'suspicious figures' were seen outside the prison. Reuters
Israel’s Army Radio has said the men appeared to have received help from outside. Reuters
Israel’s Army Radio has said the men appeared to have received help from outside. Reuters
About 400 people are detained at the prison over 'security offences' and all are to be relocated as a result of the escape, the prison service says. Reuters
About 400 people are detained at the prison over 'security offences' and all are to be relocated as a result of the escape, the prison service says. Reuters
The narrow escape tunnel started beneath a sink and continued deep underground. Reuters
The narrow escape tunnel started beneath a sink and continued deep underground. Reuters
Gilboa is considered to be one of the most secure prisons in Israel. Reuters
Gilboa is considered to be one of the most secure prisons in Israel. Reuters
Four of the men who escaped were serving life sentences, the Palestinian Prisoners Club says. Getty
Four of the men who escaped were serving life sentences, the Palestinian Prisoners Club says. Getty
Authorities believe the men may try to reach the occupied West Bank, which is about four kilometres from the prison, or the border with Jordan, which is 14km away. Getty
Authorities believe the men may try to reach the occupied West Bank, which is about four kilometres from the prison, or the border with Jordan, which is 14km away. Getty
The Israeli military are among the agencies involved in the search operation. Getty
The Israeli military are among the agencies involved in the search operation. Getty
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called the escape a 'grave incident' that requires maximum effort from the country's various security branches. Getty
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called the escape a 'grave incident' that requires maximum effort from the country's various security branches. Getty
The prisoners have escaped on the eve of the Jewish New Year. Getty
The prisoners have escaped on the eve of the Jewish New Year. Getty
A spokesman for Hamas has described the escape as a 'victory for the will and determination of our heroic prisoners'. Getty
A spokesman for Hamas has described the escape as a 'victory for the will and determination of our heroic prisoners'. Getty

Two brothers and a sister of suspected mastermind Mahmud Ardah were arrested on Friday morning in the village of Arraba near Jenin in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Prisoners Club said.

Ardah, a member of militant group Islamic Jihad, was jailed for life in 1996 over his role in deadly attacks.

Other relatives of the six fugitives, all from the Jenin area, were arrested on Wednesday and are being held in detention, the Palestinian advocacy group said.

The Israeli Army made no immediate comment on the latest arrests.

Speaking on a visit to a checkpoint between Israel and the West Bank, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said: "Sooner or later, we'll lay our hands on those we seek."

Mr Gantz said Israel did not want to see its reinforced military presence in the territory lead to any escalation.

"It's six people out of the millions living here," he said. "We need to be able to deal with these six and their accomplices without disrupting the other balances here.

"I hope this day will end quietly, either way the [army] is prepared for any development."

Palestinians flash the "V" for victory sign as they celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in the Jenin camp in the northern Israeli-occupied West Bank, on September 6, 2021. Six Palestinians broke out of a prison in northern Israel prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP
Palestinians flash the "V" for victory sign as they celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in the Jenin camp in the northern Israeli-occupied West Bank, on September 6, 2021. Six Palestinians broke out of a prison in northern Israel prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP
Supporters of the Islamic Jihad movement distribute sweets to celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP
Supporters of the Islamic Jihad movement distribute sweets to celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP
Palestinians celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. EPA
Palestinians celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. EPA
Palestinians hold photos of Palestinian detainees as they celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians hold photos of Palestinian detainees as they celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians hold photos of Palestinian detainees as they celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians hold photos of Palestinian detainees as they celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians march to celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians march to celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians march to celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
Palestinians march to celebrate the escape of the six Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli prison of Gilboa, in the West Bank city of Hebron. Six Palestinians managed escape from the Gilboa prison through a tunnel. Israeli security agencies launched a search operation for the prisoners including a former Fatah party leader in Jenin and five members of the Islamic Jihad movement who were serving life sentences. EPA
People celebrate the escape of six Palestinian militants from an Israeli prison, in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Reuters
People celebrate the escape of six Palestinian militants from an Israeli prison, in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Reuters
Palestinians shout slogans as they celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in the Jenin camp in the northern Israeli-occupied West Bank. Six Palestinians broke out of a prison in northern Israel prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP
Palestinians shout slogans as they celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in the Jenin camp in the northern Israeli-occupied West Bank. Six Palestinians broke out of a prison in northern Israel prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP
People celebrate the escape of six Palestinian militants from an Israeli prison, in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Reuters
People celebrate the escape of six Palestinian militants from an Israeli prison, in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Reuters
A Palestinian man distributes sweets to celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in Gaza Strip. - Six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP
A Palestinian man distributes sweets to celebrate the escape of six Palestinians from an Israeli prison, in Gaza Strip. - Six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison through a tunnel dug beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt for the group that includes a prominent ex-militant. AFP

Palestinians have been celebrating the escape with demonstrations in both the West Bank and the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, some of which have been accompanied by rioting.

Islamic Jihad and Hamas, the rulers of Gaza, called for a "Day of Rage" in the West Bank on Friday.

An Israeli court injunction is in effect against publishing details of the jailbreak investigation, even as Israeli media report on the scramble to recover from the embarrassing security lapse.

On Thursday, Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev said that he and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had agreed to form a commission of inquiry led by a retired judge.

THURSDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY

Centre Court

Starting at 10am:

Lucrezia Stefanini v Elena Rybakina (6)

Aryna Sabalenka (4) v Polona Hercog

Sofia Kenin (1) v Zhaoxuan Yan

Kristina Mladenovic v Garbine Muguruza (5)

Sorana Cirstea v Karolina Pliskova (3)

Jessica Pegula v Elina Svitolina (2)

Court 1

Starting at 10am:

Sara Sorribes Tormo v Nadia Podoroska

Marketa Vondrousova v Su-Wei Hsieh

Elise Mertens (7) v Alize Cornet

Tamara Zidansek v Jennifer Brady (11)

Heather Watson v Jodie Burrage

Vera Zvonareva v Amandine Hesse

Court 2

Starting at 10am:

Arantxa Rus v Xiyu Wang

Maria Kostyuk v Lucie Hradecka

Karolina Muchova v Danka Kovinic

Cori Gauff v Ulrikke Eikeri

Mona Barthel v Anastasia Gasanova

Court 3

Starting at 10am:

Kateryna Bondarenko v Yafan Wang

Aliaksandra Sasnovich v Anna Bondar

Bianca Turati v Yaroslava Shvedova

TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Directed by: Michael Fimognari

Starring: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo

Two stars

Results

5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)

5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash

6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Manchester United v Club America

When: Thursday, 9pm Arizona time (Friday UAE, 8am)

Coming 2 America

Directed by: Craig Brewer

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones

3/5 stars

While you're here
On Women's Day
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Main%20%E2%80%93%206.7%22%20FHD%2B%20Dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%202640%20x%201080%2C%2022%3A9%2C%20425ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20up%20to%20120Hz%3B%20cover%20%E2%80%93%203%2F4%22%20Super%20Amoled%2C%20720%20x%20748%2C%20306ppi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%202%2C%204nm%2C%20octa-core%3B%20Adreno%20740%20GPU%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%2C%20One%20UI%205.1.1%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%20wide%20(f%2F1.8)%2C%20OIS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%4030%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%4060%2F240fps%2C%20HD%40960fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010MP%20(f%2F2.2)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203700mAh%2C%2025W%20fast%20charging%2C%2015W%20wireless%2C%204.5W%20reverse%20wireless%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Samsung%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nano-SIM%20%2B%20eSIM%3B%20no%20microSD%20slot%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cream%2C%20graphite%2C%20lavender%2C%20mint%3B%20Samsung.com%20exclusives%20%E2%80%93%20blue%2C%20grey%2C%20green%2C%20yellow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Flip%204%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh3%2C899%20%2F%20Dh4%2C349%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
  • 2018: Formal work begins
  • November 2021: First 17 volumes launched 
  • November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
  • October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
  • November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
MATCH INFO

Group B

Bayern Munich v Tottenham, midnight (Thursday)

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
How much sugar is in chocolate Easter eggs?
  • The 169g Crunchie egg has 15.9g of sugar per 25g serving, working out at around 107g of sugar per egg
  • The 190g Maltesers Teasers egg contains 58g of sugar per 100g for the egg and 19.6g of sugar in each of the two Teasers bars that come with it
  • The 188g Smarties egg has 113g of sugar per egg and 22.8g in the tube of Smarties it contains
  • The Milky Bar white chocolate Egg Hunt Pack contains eight eggs at 7.7g of sugar per egg
  • The Cadbury Creme Egg contains 26g of sugar per 40g egg
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

Tank warfare

Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks. 

“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.

“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”

Business Insights
  • Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
  • The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
  • US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

The biog

Name: Timothy Husband

Nationality: New Zealand

Education: Degree in zoology at The University of Sydney

Favourite book: Lemurs of Madagascar by Russell A Mittermeier

Favourite music: Billy Joel

Weekends and holidays: Talking about animals or visiting his farm in Australia

BORDERLANDS

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis

Director: Eli Roth

Rating: 0/5

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

THE SPECS

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE

Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors

Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode

Power: 121hp

Torque: 142Nm

Price: Dh95,900

Updated: September 10, 2021, 1:29 PM
IsraelWest Bank