WATCH: Police uncover tunnel near West Bank border fence outside Jerusalem
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Border Police arrested a Palestinian man near the West Bank border fence after discovering him and others digging a tunnel.
- The suspect, who was in Israel without a permit, stated the tunnel's purpose was to bypass standard border crossings.
- Digging equipment was found at the tunnel's entrance, and police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Border Police apprehended a 36-year-old Palestinian resident of Kalandiya on Sunday night after observing him and several other individuals digging a tunnel near the border fence separating Israel and the West Bank. The group was initially spotted by observers from the Border Police patrol unit, who alerted officers in the field.
As security forces approached the site, the suspects fled, prompting a foot chase during which shots were fired into the air. The sole individual detained was the Kalandiya resident, who was found to be within Israel's borders without a valid permit. He subsequently led Border Police officers to the tunnel's location.
During questioning, the suspect explained that the tunnel was intended to circumvent standard border crossings and facilitate entry into Israel. Officers discovered various pieces of digging equipment at the tunnel's mouth. The incident is currently undergoing further investigation by the police.
the goal was to bypass standard border crossings and gain entry to the State of Israel.
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.