Israel Detains 33 Palestinians, Including Journalists and Children, in West Bank Raids

Israeli forces conducted widespread arrest campaigns across the West Bank on Thursday, detaining 33 Palestinians, including two journalists and several minors. The operations primarily focused on the governorates of Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm. According to the Prisoners Affairs Office, 17 individuals were arrested in Nablus, seven in Bethlehem, three in Hebron, one in Jenin, two in Tubas, and three in Tulkarm.

The arrested journalists were identified as Sabri Musa Jibril and Muath Amarna, both from the Bethlehem governorate. The detentions also included children and recently released prisoners, one of whom had been freed only days prior. In Jenin, a special Israeli force reportedly infiltrated the area near the Interior roundabout to arrest a former prisoner.

During the raids, Israeli forces stormed dozens of homes, conducting extensive searches. The Prisoners Affairs Office stated that the contents of several homes were ransacked, vandalized, and destroyed. The office condemned the arrests of journalists, children, and former prisoners, characterizing them as part of a continuous policy of harassment and detention against Palestinians and warning of continued Israeli escalation in the West Bank.

These arrests occur amidst a significant increase in Israeli military raids, detentions, and settler violence in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. Palestinian detainee statistics indicate that over 9,400 Palestinians, including 370 children and 92 women, are currently held in Israeli prisons. Human rights organizations have reported instances of torture, mistreatment, and medical neglect within these facilities.

The Thursday campaign continues amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank. Human rights groups are increasingly calling for an end to these arrests and raids, demanding protection for Palestinian civilians, particularly children and journalists.