The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Monday launched a widespread arrest campaign in different West Bank areas where they arrested about 21 Palestinian citizens including noted activists.
A statement released by the Israeli army described the detainees as “wanted” and said that 17 of them were involved in activities related to the [peaceful] popular resistance in the West Bank.
The arrests took place in different areas of the West Bank including Bethlehem Jayyous in Qalqiliya Ya’bad in Jenin Deir Abu Mash’al and Bil’in in Ramallah Sa’ir and Beit Awwa in al-Khalil.
Local sources in Ya’bad town identified two of the detainees as Yehya Hamarsheh and Namer al-Kilani. They were rounded up at an IOF military checkpoint on the main road to the town.
In a separate incident violent clashes broke out between local young men and Israeli soldiers after the latter stormed Tell town in Nablus.
An Israeli military force also reportedly stormed Qaryut town in Nablus and deliberately fired tear gas and stun grenades at homes. Many residents suffered from breathing problems as a result of inhaling fumes.
A Red Crescent ambulance crew provided medical assistance to several citizens from the town.
Locals in Qaryut described the wanton attack on their homes as “punishment for their position against Israeli settlement activities in their town.”
