Manhunt underway after palestinians escape prison

Israel's prime minister, Naftali Bennett, called it a вЂњgrave incidentвЂќ that required maximum effort by Israel's various security branches. The radio said the prisoners escaped through a tunnel from the Gilboa prison, just north of the West Bank, which is supposed to be one of Israel's most secure facilities.ДЄ photo released by the prison service showed a narrow hole in the floor of a cell, and Israeli security forces could be seen examining a similar hole on a stretch of gravel just outside the walls of the prison. Israel's Army Radio said 400 prisoners are being moved as a protective measure against any additional escape attempts. Israeli officials said they have erected roadblocks and are conducting patrols in the area. There was no immediate comment from the PA, but President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party praised the escape.

Efforts to capture the escapees will likely draw attention to the Palestinian Authority's security coordination with Israel, which is deeply unpopular among Palestinians. Palestinians consider prisoners held by Israel to be heroes of their national cause, and many celebrated the escape on social media. The prisoners appear to have gone into hiding and there was no indication Israeli authorities view them as an immediate threat. The escape marks an embarrassing security breach just ahead of the Jewish New Year, when Israelis flock to the north to enjoy beaches, campsites and the Sea of Galilee. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) - Israel launched a massive manhunt in the country's north and the occupied West Bank early Monday after six Palestinian prisoners tunneled out of their cell and escaped overnight from a high-security facility in an extremely rare breakout.

Manhunt underway after palestinians escape prison