The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Monday arrested a Palestinian merchant from Gaza while he was passing through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing north of the Gaza Strip.

A human rights source reported that the IOF arrested Aref Shumar as he was travelling through Beit Hanoun crossing.

16 merchants have been arrested at the crossing since the beginning of the year the source pointed out.

Israeli forces allow only Palestinians who have special permits to travel through Beit Hanoun crossing and sometimes they get arbitrarily arrested or interrogated.

Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Friday arrested a Palestinian merchant from the Gaza Strip as he was passing through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.

Head of the studies and documentation unit of the Detainees and Ex-Detainees Commission Abdul-Naser Farwana said that the IOF arrested Mohammed al-Astal at Beit Hanoun crossing.

Farwana said in a press statement that the detainee left Gaza on Thursday for business purposes adding that his whereabouts remained unknown for a while before the Palestinian Liaison informed the Commission Friday evening that he was detained without giving reasons.

Since the beginning of 2018 Israeli forces have arrested 8 Palestinians at Beit Hanoun crossing. In 2017 17 Palestinians were arrested while trying to leave or enter the Gaza Strip through the same crossing according to al-Mezan Center for Human Rights.

Israeli authorities allow less than 4% of the Gaza Strip residents to travel through Beit Hanoun crossing after they obtain the approval of the Israeli Intelligence Service. Most of them are patients students foreigners employees of foreign organizations merchants and businessmen.

The Gaza Strip has been living under a crippling blockade for 12 years with all crossings connecting the enclave with the outside world through Egypt or the 1948 occupied territories closed. They might be opened partially from time to time for the entry of some goods and passengers.

Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Tuesday arrested a Palestinian merchant from Gaza while he was passing through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing north of the Gaza Strip.

A human rights source reported that the IOF arrested Sabri Qandil 56 as he was travelling through Beit Hanounn crossing.

Israeli forces allow only Palestinians who have special permits to travel through Beit Hanoun crossing and sometimes they get arbitrarily arrested or interrogated.

Since the beginning of 2018 until May IOF soldiers at the crossing have arrested 7 Palestinian citizens including patients who had the necessary permits. During the same period 6 Palestinian patients died after being denied travel via Beit Hanoun crossing for treatment.