Israeli forces arrest 23 Palestinians in sweeping West Bank raids

Israeli forces conducted widespread arrests of Palestinians across the West Bank in recent operations, according to local reports and the Wafa news agency. At least 23 individuals were detained, with troops targeting various areas including ad-Dhahiriya, Azzun, Nablus, Deir al-Ghasoun, Bethlehem, Qalandiya refugee camp, and Ras al-Ain. The military intensified its campaign in the occupied territory, erecting checkpoints and searching homes.

In ad-Dhahiriya, situated south of Hebron, eight Palestinians were arrested, and soldiers set up military checkpoints throughout the governorate. Azzun, located near Qalqilya, saw the arrest of six Palestinians, while Nablus witnessed the apprehension of four suspects, including two brothers. Deir al-Ghasoun, north of Tulkarm, resulted in the arrest of two individuals, and Bethlehem saw the detainment of two Palestinians, one of whom was a journalist.

Qalandiya refugee camp, situated between Jerusalem and Ramallah, also experienced a raid that led to the arrest of an unidentified Palestinian. In Ras al-Ain, during a raid, soldiers reportedly severely beat a 28-year-old man, necessitating hospital treatment.

Meanwhile, Israeli settlers, supported by the army, have imposed a 11-day siege on the town of Qusra. Settlers have surrounded three Palestinian family homes, obstructing their access to water, and residents are currently facing food shortages due to the blockade.