Thursday, 03/09/2026   
   Beirut 16:03

Israeli Occupation Steps Up West Bank Raids, Arrests 21 Palestinians

Israeli occupation forces detain a Palestinian man during a raid on the UNRWA Vocational Training Centre, located between the Kafr Aqab neighbourhood and the Qalandia refugee camp, south of the West Bank city of Ramallah, on August 25, 2026. (Photo by Zain JAAFAR / AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli occupation forces arrested 21 Palestinians, including a journalist, during raids across the occupied West Bank early Thursday, the Prisoners Media Office said.

In a statement, the non-governmental group said that the arrests included seven Palestinians in Bethlehem province, nine in Nablus, four in Salfit and a journalist in Al-Khalil (Hebron).

In Bethlehem, Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested four Palestinians during raids on homes in Al-Doha town, Dheisheh refugee camp and Al-Fawaghra neighborhood, according to the statement.

The IOF also raided Beit Fajjar town south of the province and arrested a father and his two sons after searching and ransacking their home.

In Nablus, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians during a raid on Asira Al-Qibliya village south of the city and another from Askar refugee camp, the statement said.

Three Palestinians were also arrested in Awarta town, two in Bazariya and another on Oman Street in Nablus city.

In Sebastia town northwest of Nablus, the IOF raided the area and arrested the mother and sister of a Palestinian prisoner before releasing them after field questioning.

In Salfit province, Israeli forces arrested four Palestinians from Qarawat Bani Hassan town after raiding their homes and ransacking their belongings. A vehicle belonging to one of those arrested was also seized.

In Hebron province, the IOF arrested a journalist from Idhna town west of Hebron.

The Prisoners Media Office said the latest escalation reflects a continuing “policy of abuse and arbitrary arrest” against Palestinians.

The group called on human rights and international organizations to intervene to halt what it described as violations against Palestinians.

Since Oct. 8, 2023, the IOF have intensified operations across the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, with reports of killings, arrests, forced displacement, home demolitions and settlement expansion.

Source: Agencies