Israeli forces arrest nine Palestinians in West Bank raids

Palestinians were detained across the West Bank in raids by occupying Israeli forces.

2 min read

11 April, 2021

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 [Getty]

At least nine Palestinians were detained by Israeli forces as raids took place throughout the occupied West Bank late on Saturday and early on Sunday.

Israeli forces carried out arrests in the areas of Bethlehem and Jenin, and East Jerusalem, Palestinian Authority's official news agency Wafa reported, citing Palestinian security sources.

In Jenin, the Israeli army stormed the town of Qabatiya and detained three Palestinian civilians, after raiding their families homes. All of them were in their 20s.

In Bethlehem, the Israeli army raided the village of Harmala and detained three Palestinian young men, also in their twenties.

In occupied Jerusalem, Israeli police stormed the neighbourhood of al-Essawiya, where they detained three Palestinians, including two brothers who were identified as Ahmad and Majed Darwish.

Clashes reportedly broke out in the Jerusalem neighbourhood between Israeli police and teenagers during the raid.

Israel has occupied the West Bank illegally since 1967, committing various crimes against Palestinian civilians, monitors say.

More than 600,000 Israeli Jews live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, in constructions considered illegal under international law.

Israeli forces and settlers carry out regular attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property, throwing stones, destroying olive and fruit trees, and even attacking children.