Israeli security forces on Monday launched a massive search operation in northern Israel and the occupied West Bank after six Palestinian prisoners escaped from one of the most secure prisons using a rusty spoon.
Searches in northern Israel were mounted after farmers tipped off police about suspicious figures seen in their fields. Police then alerted officials at Gilboa prison, who discovered that the men had gone.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office 'emphasised that this is a grave incident. Palestinian militant groups swiftly praised the breakout.
Supporters of the Palestinian militant group distributed sweets in Gaza city after hearing about the escape.
Those who escaped include Zakaria Zubeidi a leader in the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. Four of the other prisoners had been serving life sentences.