Israel arrests 130 in West Bank city

ISRAEL arrested more than 130 Palestinians in the West Bank city of Hebron yesterday, targeting Hamas as the Palestinian government awaited word on whether the Islamic militant group would agree to a ceasefire.

The Israelis also charged five Israeli Arab leaders with funnelling at least $6.8 million to Hamas in a trial that comes amid increasing tension between the government and the Arab community.

Palestinian officials and Egyptian mediators said they expect a positive response soon from Hamas and other militant groups to a proposal to halt attacks on Israelis.