Israeli forces arrest AFP contributor in West Bank

On Sunday night, Israeli forces conducted a raid on the home of Mohammad Ateeq, a 34-year-old AFP stringer who has contributed to the organization for three years in the West Bank. The arrest took place in the northern town of Burqin, near Jenin, according to Ateeq's wife, Ansam Ateeq. Israeli troops stormed the residence at 1:30 am, despite Ateeq's agreement to open the door.

The soldiers, more than ten in number, forcibly entered the home, smashing the door until it was off its hinges. They searched the premises thoroughly, seized Ateeq's two phones, and removed his AFP videocamera from the balcony. Ateeq was blindfolded and taken away from his home, where he was reportedly denied a winter coat. He is due to give birth in about a month to the couple's first child.

An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that Ateeq was suspected of having ties with Hamas. The AFP expressed concern over Ateeq's detention and demanded that the Israeli authorities provide clear reasons for his arrest and evidence to support their claims. If they fail to do so, AFP threatened to demand Ateeq's immediate release.

In August, Israeli forces had arrested another AFP stringer, Mohammed Awad, who remains in detention. Awad was also suspected of advancing terror attacks, though the military provided no evidence to support this claim.