Israeli army arrests 21 Palestinians, including journalist, in occupied West Bank

Arrests reported in Bethlehem, Nablus, Salfit and Hebron, Prisoners Media Office says

Israeli forces arrested 21 Palestinians, including a journalist, during raids across the occupied West Bank early Thursday, the Prisoners Media Office said. In a statement, the non-governmental group said that the arrests included seven Palestinians in Bethlehem province, nine in Nablus, four in Salfit and a journalist in Hebron. In Bethlehem, Israeli forces arrested four Palestinians during raids on homes in Al-Doha town, Dheisheh refugee camp and Al-Fawaghra neighborhood, according to the statement. The forces also raided Beit Fajjar town south of the province and arrested a father and his two sons after searching and ransacking their home. In Nablus, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians during a raid on Asira al-Qibliya village south of the city and another from Askar refugee camp, the statement said. Three Palestinians were also arrested in Awarta town, two in Bazariya and another on Oman Street in Nablus city. In Sebastia town northwest of Nablus, Israeli forces raided the area and arrested the mother and sister of a Palestinian prisoner before releasing them after field questioning. In Salfit province, Israeli forces arrested four Palestinians from Qarawat Bani Hassan town after raiding their homes and ransacking their belongings. A vehicle belonging to one of those arrested was also seized. In Hebron province, Israeli forces arrested a journalist from Idhna town west of Hebron. The Prisoners Media Office said the latest escalation reflects a continuing "policy of abuse and arbitrary arrest" against Palestinians. The group called on human rights and international organizations to intervene to halt what it described as violations against Palestinians. Since Oct. 8, 2023, Israeli forces have intensified operations across the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, with reports of killings, arrests, forced displacement, home demolitions and settlement expansion.