Israel holds Palestinian finance minister in prison for two more weeks

An Israeli military court on Tuesday extended the detention of the Palestinian finance minister for two more weeks, the army said Tuesday.

Photo: Israel holds Palestinian finance minister in prison for two more weeks

Israel determined to make Palestine plunge into deeper chaos

The minister, Omar Abdel Razek, is among dozens of top Hamas officials rounded up by Israel after Hamas-allied militants kidnapped an Israeli soldier in June, the AP says.

Abdel Razek was escorted into court with his arms and legs shackled, but his hands were later uncuffed, said the minister's assistant, Shadi Matar.

The judge extended the detention of Abdel Razek and several Hamas legislators for another two weeks, the Israeli military said.

In all, Israel has rounded up more than two dozen Hamas lawmakers and five Cabinet ministers. Four other government minister were arrested, but later released.

Hamas was overwhelmingly voted into power during Palestinian Authority elections early this year.

Israel says its roundup of Hamas officials is a legitimate act against a terrorist group