Israel’s detention of 22 Palestinians in West Bank, including those released in ‘swap deal’

Israeli Forces Detain 22 Palestinians in West Bank

Israeli forces have detained at least 22 Palestinians in the West Bank, including two former Palestinian prisoners released during the Israel-Hamas truce in November last year and a woman. The arrests, which were reportedly accompanied by torture, beatings, and other actions, were carried out in several cities including Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jericho.

Among those arrested were individuals like Aman Nafe and Hanan al-Barghouti from the village of Kobar near Ramallah, who were released in a hostage-for-prisoner swap during the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas. Palestinian sources have confirmed that nine prisoners released during the swap, including children and women, have been detained by Israeli forces.

During a week-long ceasefire in November, 105 civilian hostages were released from Hamas captivity, while Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that the recent arrests were of individuals suspected of involvement in “terrorist” activities in the West Bank.

Adraee mentioned specific cases like the planned “terrorist operation” involving Muhammad al-Tanji from Balata refugee camp in Nablus and the house demolition of Abid Masad in Kafr Dan, Jenin. Israeli forces also arrested individuals from other villages like Kobar, Yatta in Hebron, and Jericho. The total number of wanted individuals arrested in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas conflict is approximately 3,450, with 1,500 belonging to Hamas.

The West Bank has been experiencing escalating tension and armed confrontations in various areas since the conflict began in October last year. The Israeli military authorities continue to conduct arrests and operations in the region. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the aftermath of the truce and ongoing conflicts in the area.