Israeli Forces Detain 19 Palestinians in West Bank Raids

Israeli forces detained 19 Palestinians, including a former prisoner, during raids across the occupied West Bank early Thursday, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. 

The detentions were carried out in Jenin, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jerusalem governorates, the agency said.

In Jenin governorate, 10 Palestinians were detained after Israeli forces raided and searched their homes in several towns and villages. Three of the detainees were displaced from Jenin refugee camp, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society.

In Bethlehem governorate, six Palestinians were detained in several areas, including the town of Tuqu’, Wadi Abu Fariha, and the town of Ash-Shawawra. One of the detainees was a former prisoner.

In Nablus governorate, two Palestinians were detained after Israeli forces raided the villages of Awarta, Urif, and Burin south of the city. The forces also raided a house in Beit Furik, east of Nablus, and searched it, but no detentions were reported.

In occupied Jerusalem, a young man was detained during a raid on Qalandiya refugee camp north of the city, after Israeli forces raided and searched his home.

The Israeli military has been conducting regular raids and detentions in the West Bank, often citing security concerns. These operations have been a source of tension between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The West Bank has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967, with ongoing issues of settlement expansion, resource control, and Palestinian rights.