Israeli Forces Arrest Dozens in West Bank Raids Including Palestinian Minister

Israeli security forces conducted extensive raids across the West Bank overnight, detaining at least 30 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club. Among those arrested was Ashraf Al-Awar, the Palestinian Minister for Jerusalem Affairs, who was taken from his home in Silwan following a search.

Additional arrests were reported in several West Bank locations: eight residents in the town of al-Dhahiriya near Hebron, two young men in Deir al-Ghusun near Tulkarm, five more detainees in the surrounding area, and six individuals in Azzun near Qalqilya. Arrests also took place in the Kalandia refugee camp and Beit Duqqu near Jerusalem.

As of midday, Israeli authorities had not issued a detailed statement explaining the reasons for the arrests of Al-Awar or the other detainees. The operations were part of a broader Israeli military campaign in the West Bank.

The raids and arrests come amid ongoing tensions in the region, with the Israeli military continuing security operations in Palestinian territories. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the detentions but further official responses have yet to be reported.