Palestinian attacked by Israeli settlers freed after month of detention in rare release
Thabet Masalem was detained over alleged 'violent friction incidents with settlers' and placed in administrative detention until January 2027. A military judge ordered his immediate release after an appeal
A British activist, Finn Joughin, was abducted by armed Israeli settlers in Masafer Yatta, a village in the southern occupied West Bank. The incident occurred on Saturday when the settlers forcibly detained Joughin and took him to an unknown location. Footage shared on social media showed Joughin being grabbed by the arms and being transported by the armed settlers.
He was unable to be reached for an extended period following the abduction. Israeli police took over Joughin's custody, claiming he was handed over to them due to an allegation of "sexual abuse," as reported by The Times of Israel. Footage captured Joughin shielding an Israeli child's body while attempting to prevent the child from crossing a wire fence.
His lawyer, Inbar Shaked Vardi, stated on Sunday that Joughin was seized by the settlers and confined in a shed for 30 minutes before being handed over to Israel Police. Joughin is scheduled to appear before a Jerusalem court on Sunday. The British Foreign Office spokesperson disclosed that embassy officials in Tel Aviv have communicated with the Israeli authorities, seeking further information regarding the case.
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- British activist abducted by armed Israeli settlers in Masafer Yatta middleeasteye.net
- 120 Israeli settlers enter Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy police protection english.ajel.sa
