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Israel Names Hamas Suspects in Teens’ Disappearance


Israeli soldiers patrol during operation to locate three missing teenagers, in the West Bank city of Hebron, June 18, 2014.
Israeli soldiers patrol during operation to locate three missing teenagers, in the West Bank city of Hebron, June 18, 2014.

Israel has named two Palestinian suspects in the disappearance of three Israeli teenage boys from the West Bank earlier this month.

Israel's security agency says they are Marwan Qawasmeh and Amer Abu Aisheh -- both members of the militant group Hamas who have served time in Israeli prisons for terrorism.

Both suspects are at large.

The teens disappeared two weeks ago while hitchhiking home from school near Hebron.

Israel arrested hundreds of Hamas members in a widespread search for the three boys. Hamas denies involvement and the more moderate Palestinian Authority also has joined in the hunt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas give up plans to form a unity government with Hamas.

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