DHAKA: Israeli troops arrested Palestinian parliament speaker and Hamas member Aziz Dweik overnight during a wave of arrests linked to a massive manhunt for three kidnapped teenagers.

The military said on Monday, reports The Straits Times.

In a statement, the army said it had arrested more than 40 suspects in the West Bank, ‘including Hamas leadership and operatives’, with a military spokesman confirming to media that the speaker was among them.

The army says more than 150 Palestinians have been arrested in the search for the three youngsters who were snatched from the Gush Etzion settlement bloc in the southern West Bank on Thursday night, with Israel pointing the finger at Hamas.

So far, there has been no formal claim of responsibility.

BDST: 1501 HRS, JUNE 16, 2014