Report: Palestinians free U.S. student

NABLUS, West Bank, June 11 (UPI) -- Palestinian authorities have rescued a U.S. citizen who was briefly kidnapped in Nablus, West Bank, Kol Israel Radio reports.

Palestinian officials in Nablus say that Benjamin Fishbein, who is Jewish, was having coffee at a cafe in the town when he was abducted by gunmen, the broadcaster said.

A student at Hebrew University, Fishbein reportedly was in Nablus as a tourist, and wears a yarmulke but cannot speak Hebrew. His quick release was said to be because he is a U.S. citizen, not an Israeli, Kol Israel said.

Palestinian security forces worked with Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades to negotiate Fishbein's release, the broadcaster said.