Israel Matzav

Group claims to have kidnapped American student in Nablus (Shchem)

Remember Benjamin 'Not So' Bright-Fishbein? It may be happening again.

A 'Palestinian' group calling itself Ansar al-Sunna claims that it has kidnapped an American student in Nablus (Shchem) and the 'Palestinian Authority' is 'investigating.'

The kidnap victim's identity is not currently known.

Update 4:00 PM

Israel Radio reports that the alleged victim's name is Michael Phillips, but has no other details about him.

They also report that copies of Phillips' passport and student ID were faxed to the 'Palestinian security services' by the kidnappers.

Update 5:29 PM

YNet is reporting that 'all' of the terror groups are denying involvement.

Palestinian security officials said all terror groups contacted over the claim denied involvement.

Rabi'a Abu Layl, a senior activist with the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, told Ynet: "Not only we have no contact with them, but we condemn the incident. If this youth was kidnapped in Nablus itself, then the issue is serious since foreign teenagers staying here despite the situation are usually volunteers who come to help us on humanitarian missions."

Abu-Layl added: "This is the first time we hear of this group appearing in Nablus. I believe the statement is not reliable; no Palestinian group would harm international activists, who not only support us, but live among us like Palestinians. We eat with them, drink with them and work with them. It is impossible that a real Palestinian group stands behind the incident."

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it received a report that a foreign citizen had been kidnapped but said it remains unclear if he is American or British.

Update 6:16 PM

Remember Angelo Frammartino? Well according to the Jerusalem Post, Michael Phillips is an American do-gooder like Frammartino, who was murdered by the 'Palestinians' he loved two months ago.

Samah Atout, manager of Project Hope, where Philips was working as a teacher, said she received a call saying Phillips had been kidnapped. She refused to give further details.

She said Phillips was working with Project Hope in refugee camps near the West Bank city of Nablus, teaching English.

When Abu Layl said

"This is the first time we hear of this group appearing in Nablus. I believe the statement is not reliable; no Palestinian group would harm international activists, who not only support us, but live among us like Palestinians. We eat with them, drink with them and work with them. It is impossible that a real Palestinian group stands behind the incident."

he knew of what he spoke. But of course, no 'Palestinian' group can be behind this. So it must be the Mossad.

/'Official Palestinian television'

Update 6:52 PM

Michael Leighton Phillips' project manager has now confirmed that he is missing.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:22 PM