Security Forces Discover 25-Meter Tunnel Near Qalqilya

Israeli security forces have uncovered a 25-meter-long tunnel in the Palestinian city of Qalqilya, located in Area A of the West Bank. The discovery was made during a police and counter-crime unit operation based on intelligence information. Forces found the unfinished tunnel, along with signs of another tunnel being dug nearby. Four suspects were arrested during the operation and handed over for police investigation.

During the search, a cache of weapons and equipment was seized, including an M16 rifle, a sniper rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones, fertilizer used for explosives, and a DVR device. The tunnel's discovery follows recent findings of other tunnels in the Samaria region, including one found two weeks prior in Al-Jib village, near the separation barrier and the settlements of Giva't Ze'ev and Givon.

Qalqilya has been the site of previous security incidents. In July, ten Israeli civilians were rescued from the city after entering illegally to search for a stolen motorcycle, drawing a crowd of Palestinians. Police stated they will continue proactive operations in Samaria to uncover digging infrastructure and weapons, apprehend those involved, and bring them to justice.

The investigation into the four arrested suspects will focus on the tunnel's purpose, the identities of those involved, the infrastructure enabling the digging, and potential links to the seized items.