Israeli army probes claim troops stole Palestinian gold

Palestinian Territories - Agence France-Presse

AP photo

The Israeli army said on Wednesday it was investigating a Palestinian man's claim that troops who raided his West Bank home last week stole a valuable hoard of gold. Atta Sabri Shtiwi, a 44-year-old merchant, told AFP that "around 50" soldiers with dogs forced their way into his home in the northern village of Kafr Qaddum in the early hours of Thursday and arrested his son.

Shtiwi said he and his wife were confined to one room while troops searched the rest of the house. "We heard smashing and breaking and after two hours, they opened the door and I went to check on my gold and money," he said. "The money was there but the gold that was wrapped in a cloth had disappeared. The army refused to listen to me and went away." He said that "30 pieces of gold" with a value of around 8,600 euros ($11,275) were missing.
 
"They are not mine," he added. "They belong to others who entrusted me with them." The Israeli army said it had launched a probe into the allegation.
 
"The incident is currently being investigated by the military police," a statement said. "Following the investigation, the findings will be submitted to the military advocate general."