Israeli army rounds up 8 Palestinians in West Bank raids
Arrests come amid ongoing tensions in region after US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
Israeli forces have detained eight Palestinians, five of whom were rounded up in overnight raids carried out across the occupied West Bank late Monday, according to the Israeli military.
In a Tuesday statement, the Israeli army said the individuals had been detained for questioning over alleged involvement in what it described as “popular terrorist” activities.
According to the army, three of those detained were arrested during clashes with Israeli security forces in the Aida refugee camp in the city of Bethlehem.
"The detainees have since been referred to the authorities for questioning," the statement read.
Israeli occupation forces frequently carry out wide-ranging arrest campaigns in the occupied West Bank on the pretext of searching for "wanted" Palestinians.
According to official Palestinian figures, more than 6,400 Palestinians are currently being held in detention facilities throughout Israel.
The latest arrests come amid ongoing tensions in the Palestinian territories following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision on Dec. 6 to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
