RAMALLAH: Israeli occupation forces arrested at least 40 civilians from the West Bank in a wide-scale arrest campaign last night and this morning, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS) and the Detainee and Ex-Detainees Affairs Authority.

Fifteen individuals of those detained were workers from Gaza, apprehended by the occupation forces from the town of Bidya in the occupied West Bank province of Salfit.

A joint statement by the two prisoner advocacy organizations revealed that the arrests were concentrated in the Hebron province, with additional detentions reported in Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin.

In tandem with the arrest raids, Israeli occupation forces continued a campaign of widespread raids and intimidation in cities, towns, and refugee camps, according to the statement. These actions have been accompanied by on-site interrogations involving dozens of civilians. Additionally, there were reports of extensive property damage and destruction in homes, infrastructure, and the conf
iscation of funds and vehicles.

The statement emphasized that the tally of Palestinians arrested by the Israeli occupation forces since October 7 has surged to approximately 5,875. This count includes individuals detained from their homes, at military checkpoints, those compelled to surrender under pressure, and individuals taken hostage.

Israeli occupation forces persist in executing systematic arrest campaigns as a key component of their apartheid policies. These campaigns have not only seen an unprecedented increase in the number of detainees but also in the severity of crimes committed.

Furthermore, the forces have intensified their incursions into the homes of detainees’ families, often accompanied by extensive acts of sabotage and destruction.

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA