2 sept 2015
Dozens of young men from Silwan attempted to confront the settlers of Ateret Cohanim and prevent them from taking over and seizing the apartment of the late Jihad Sarhan in the “Middle Neighborhood” in Batn Al-Hawa. The young men were able to force the settlers who broke into the apartment using ropes to leave but the occupation forces provided the settlers with full protection enabling them to break into the apartment again and take it over.
Breaking into the apartment of Jihad Sarhan using ropes
Sarhan’s family explained to Wadi Hilweh Information Center that a group of settlers living in the building of Jamal Sarhan (sold to Ateret Cohanim last week) raided the apartment of Jihad Sarhan using ropes.
The settlers broke into the apartment through the windows of Jamal Sarhan’s building and dropped some furniture. The neighbors heard the noise only to find out that several settlers had already broken into the apartment.
Sarhan’s family added that a group of settler had broken into their uncle’s apartment and were able to reach the area of “Al-Hosh” (courtyard) within minutes; settlers were forced to leave after clashes broke out between the two sides.
The occupation forces outburst the door of Sarhan’s family’s “Hosh”
The family added that large forces including Special Forces outburst the main door of the apartment which had been closed for a while and provided the settlers with full protection to seize the apartment under the pretext of having an order from the Israeli court; note that the apartment has been empty for the last three years.
Arrests, clashes and the injury of 21 young men
The Information Center added that violent clashes and altercations using hands broke out in the “Hosh” between the forces and settlers on one side and the young men who attempted to confront the take-over process on another. During the clashes, the forces severely beat the young men with the butts of their guns and batons, and fired tear-gas and sound grenades in addition to rubber bullets.
Eight members of Sarhan family and one young man were injured with rubber bullets in the face, back and limbs. They also suffered several bruises due to being beat up with the butts of guns on their heads.
After seizing and taking over the apartment, the forces raided the house of Ahmad Sarhan and precisely searched it. They arrested the 16-year old Maher Samer Sarhan and the 22-year old Samah Sarhan. In the morning hours, the forces raided the house Mohammad Maher Sarhan and Ali Sarhan in provocative way.
Clashes spread to the neighborhoods of Batn Al-Hawa and Bi’er Ayoub and Al-Ein Street where 13 young men were injured by rubber bullets and shrapnel of sound grenades. Also, dozens of locals suffocated during the clashes due to random firing of tear gas by the occupation forces.
The center explained that the apartment is adjacent to the building of Jamal Sarhan that was sold to the settlers last Thursday and it is possible that the apartment of Jihad Sarhan was part of the deal done by Jamal.
Eight settlement outposts in the neighborhood of Batn Al-Hawa
The number of settlement outposts in the Middle Neighborhood increased to 8 where all of them were sold by their owners. The first was taken over in 2005 (Bet Yonatan), the second is House of Honey and three buildings were seized last year (Qawasmi and Rajabi), three apartments owned by Abu Nab family were seized this year as well as Jamal Sarhan’s building and Jihad Sarhan’s apartment.
Breaking into the apartment of Jihad Sarhan using ropes
Sarhan’s family explained to Wadi Hilweh Information Center that a group of settlers living in the building of Jamal Sarhan (sold to Ateret Cohanim last week) raided the apartment of Jihad Sarhan using ropes.
The settlers broke into the apartment through the windows of Jamal Sarhan’s building and dropped some furniture. The neighbors heard the noise only to find out that several settlers had already broken into the apartment.
Sarhan’s family added that a group of settler had broken into their uncle’s apartment and were able to reach the area of “Al-Hosh” (courtyard) within minutes; settlers were forced to leave after clashes broke out between the two sides.
The occupation forces outburst the door of Sarhan’s family’s “Hosh”
The family added that large forces including Special Forces outburst the main door of the apartment which had been closed for a while and provided the settlers with full protection to seize the apartment under the pretext of having an order from the Israeli court; note that the apartment has been empty for the last three years.
Arrests, clashes and the injury of 21 young men
The Information Center added that violent clashes and altercations using hands broke out in the “Hosh” between the forces and settlers on one side and the young men who attempted to confront the take-over process on another. During the clashes, the forces severely beat the young men with the butts of their guns and batons, and fired tear-gas and sound grenades in addition to rubber bullets.
Eight members of Sarhan family and one young man were injured with rubber bullets in the face, back and limbs. They also suffered several bruises due to being beat up with the butts of guns on their heads.
After seizing and taking over the apartment, the forces raided the house of Ahmad Sarhan and precisely searched it. They arrested the 16-year old Maher Samer Sarhan and the 22-year old Samah Sarhan. In the morning hours, the forces raided the house Mohammad Maher Sarhan and Ali Sarhan in provocative way.
Clashes spread to the neighborhoods of Batn Al-Hawa and Bi’er Ayoub and Al-Ein Street where 13 young men were injured by rubber bullets and shrapnel of sound grenades. Also, dozens of locals suffocated during the clashes due to random firing of tear gas by the occupation forces.
The center explained that the apartment is adjacent to the building of Jamal Sarhan that was sold to the settlers last Thursday and it is possible that the apartment of Jihad Sarhan was part of the deal done by Jamal.
Eight settlement outposts in the neighborhood of Batn Al-Hawa
The number of settlement outposts in the Middle Neighborhood increased to 8 where all of them were sold by their owners. The first was taken over in 2005 (Bet Yonatan), the second is House of Honey and three buildings were seized last year (Qawasmi and Rajabi), three apartments owned by Abu Nab family were seized this year as well as Jamal Sarhan’s building and Jihad Sarhan’s apartment.
Mohammad Khalil Bader
The occupation forces raided on Tuesday Shu’fat refugee camp and arrested 15 workers from the West Bank.
Thaer Fasfoos, spokesman of Fateh Movement in Shu’fat refugee camp, explained that the forces raided the refugee camp and raided the construction sites and some commercial stores (grocery and clothing stores) and arrested more than 15 Palestinians from the West Bank and detained them near the military checkpoint.
Fasfoos added that scattered flashes broke out in the camp between the young men and Israeli occupation forces which fired grenades and rubber bullets.
On the other hand, the administration of Negev prison released the 27-year old Jerusalemite prisoner Mohammad Khalil Bader after spending 30 months in the occupation’s prisons.
The freed prisoner was arrested in March 2013 and was interrogated at Al-Maskobyeh cells.
Upon arrival to Jerusalem, Bader visited Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed the Afternoon Prayer and was then welcomed by the locals of Silwan who chanted for the prisoners, Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.
The freed prisoner was also arrested in 2010 during clashes that broke out in the neighborhood of Al-Sowaneh east of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. He spent 40 days in the detention center and was then put on house-arrest.
The occupation forces raided on Tuesday Shu’fat refugee camp and arrested 15 workers from the West Bank.
Thaer Fasfoos, spokesman of Fateh Movement in Shu’fat refugee camp, explained that the forces raided the refugee camp and raided the construction sites and some commercial stores (grocery and clothing stores) and arrested more than 15 Palestinians from the West Bank and detained them near the military checkpoint.
Fasfoos added that scattered flashes broke out in the camp between the young men and Israeli occupation forces which fired grenades and rubber bullets.
On the other hand, the administration of Negev prison released the 27-year old Jerusalemite prisoner Mohammad Khalil Bader after spending 30 months in the occupation’s prisons.
The freed prisoner was arrested in March 2013 and was interrogated at Al-Maskobyeh cells.
Upon arrival to Jerusalem, Bader visited Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed the Afternoon Prayer and was then welcomed by the locals of Silwan who chanted for the prisoners, Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.
The freed prisoner was also arrested in 2010 during clashes that broke out in the neighborhood of Al-Sowaneh east of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. He spent 40 days in the detention center and was then put on house-arrest.
The Israeli Prison Service on Wednesday raided Section 11 of the Nafha jail in Israel's south and moved Palestinian detainees to section 10, a Palestinian Authority official said.
Issa Qaraqe, head of the Prisoners' Affairs Committee, said Israeli forces carried out search raids, leading to prisoners closing down other sections in protest.
On Monday, the Israeli Dror unit raided Room 61 in Section 11 of the prison, without providing an explanation. A spokesperson for the Israel Prison Service referred to Wednesday's incident as "regular activity," without elaborating on the recent shuffles.
Nafha is located in Mitzpe Ramon of southern Israel, and is one of several Israeli jails where nearly 6,000 Palestinians are currently held and subject to brutal mistreatment that has been condemned by Palestinian leadership and the international community.
Palestinian detainees in the Nafha and Ramon jails last month declared a "campaign of disobedience" in response to sanctions imposed on hunger strikers and other restrictions. Earlier in the month, around 120 detainees in Nafha had launched a six-day hunger strike.
Nashaat al-Wahidi, a Fatah prisoners' representative in Gaza, told Ma'an at the time the strike was suspended after an agreement with Israel's Prison Service, which agreed to stop cell raids and the arbitrary transfer of prisoners to different sections of the jail.
The 120 prisoners had been demanding that they be returned to their former prison wings after being moved by IPS authorities. They were also demanding family visits, an end to solitary confinement, public telephones, a kitchen and bakery, and the return of a canteen.
Issa Qaraqe, head of the Prisoners' Affairs Committee, said Israeli forces carried out search raids, leading to prisoners closing down other sections in protest.
On Monday, the Israeli Dror unit raided Room 61 in Section 11 of the prison, without providing an explanation. A spokesperson for the Israel Prison Service referred to Wednesday's incident as "regular activity," without elaborating on the recent shuffles.
Nafha is located in Mitzpe Ramon of southern Israel, and is one of several Israeli jails where nearly 6,000 Palestinians are currently held and subject to brutal mistreatment that has been condemned by Palestinian leadership and the international community.
Palestinian detainees in the Nafha and Ramon jails last month declared a "campaign of disobedience" in response to sanctions imposed on hunger strikers and other restrictions. Earlier in the month, around 120 detainees in Nafha had launched a six-day hunger strike.
Nashaat al-Wahidi, a Fatah prisoners' representative in Gaza, told Ma'an at the time the strike was suspended after an agreement with Israel's Prison Service, which agreed to stop cell raids and the arbitrary transfer of prisoners to different sections of the jail.
The 120 prisoners had been demanding that they be returned to their former prison wings after being moved by IPS authorities. They were also demanding family visits, an end to solitary confinement, public telephones, a kitchen and bakery, and the return of a canteen.
The Palestinian Detainees Committee has reported, Wednesday, that political prisoner Mohammad Jobran Khalil, 33, is suffering various psychological and neurological issues, resulting from being held in solitary confinement for the eight consecutive year.
The Committee said that Jubran, from the central West Bank city of Ramallah, has also been denied family visits for the ninth consecutive month.
Lawyer Karim ‘Ajwa said that Khalil, currently held in solitary at the Asqalan Israeli prison, has been moved into solitary confinement in different Israeli prisons, including Ramon, Eshil and the Negev detention camp.
He also stated that Khalil is facing very difficult conditions, placed in dark, cold, dirty and humid cells, without covers, a toilet or even proper ventilation.
Khalil, from al-Mazra’a ash-Sharqiyya village, east of Ramallah, was taken prisoner on March 3, 2006, and was sentenced to one life term.
The Committee said that Jubran, from the central West Bank city of Ramallah, has also been denied family visits for the ninth consecutive month.
Lawyer Karim ‘Ajwa said that Khalil, currently held in solitary at the Asqalan Israeli prison, has been moved into solitary confinement in different Israeli prisons, including Ramon, Eshil and the Negev detention camp.
He also stated that Khalil is facing very difficult conditions, placed in dark, cold, dirty and humid cells, without covers, a toilet or even proper ventilation.
Khalil, from al-Mazra’a ash-Sharqiyya village, east of Ramallah, was taken prisoner on March 3, 2006, and was sentenced to one life term.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) attacked Wednesday a Palestinian woman while trying to prevent the arrest of a group of shepherds in Salem village eat of Nablus.
Head of the village council Adli Shtayyeh told PIC reporter that nearly ten Israeli jeeps attacked eight shepherds while grazing their flocks and forced them at gunpoint to go back to their homes.
The shepherds were brutally attacked and beaten after refusing to leave the area. They were then violently pushed into a military vehicle and taken to an Israeli detention center, he added.
A Palestinian elderly woman was also beaten and hit over the head with a rifle butt as she struggled with the Israeli soldiers in an attempt to prevent the shepherds’ arrest.
The elderly woman was then taken to Rafidia Hospital for treatment as she suffered moderate injuries and bruises all over her body.
Head of the village council Adli Shtayyeh told PIC reporter that nearly ten Israeli jeeps attacked eight shepherds while grazing their flocks and forced them at gunpoint to go back to their homes.
The shepherds were brutally attacked and beaten after refusing to leave the area. They were then violently pushed into a military vehicle and taken to an Israeli detention center, he added.
A Palestinian elderly woman was also beaten and hit over the head with a rifle butt as she struggled with the Israeli soldiers in an attempt to prevent the shepherds’ arrest.
The elderly woman was then taken to Rafidia Hospital for treatment as she suffered moderate injuries and bruises all over her body.
Dozens of Palestinians have participated Thursday in a sit-in outside the Red Cross headquarters in Tulkarem in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails amid very difficult detention conditions.
The weekly sit-in was attended by prisoners’ families, representatives of local human rights institutions, and national figures.
Governor of Tulkarem city Issam Abu Baker said that the weekly sit-in will continue in the city till the liberation of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
For their part, the prisoners’ families hailed the wide participation and the unprecedented presence of people in the sit-in.
The mother of the prisoner Youssef Mahdawi, who is sentenced to life term sentence, pointed to the difficult detention conditions and Israeli Prison Services’ arbitrary and punitive measures that deepened the suffering of the prisoners.
Our sons enjoy high spirits despite their deep suffering behind Israeli bars, the mother said, calling for continuing solidarity events in support of Palestinian prisoners.
She also urged the Red Cross and human rights institutions to intensify visits to Israeli prisons and to check on the prisoners’ conditions.
The weekly sit-in was attended by prisoners’ families, representatives of local human rights institutions, and national figures.
Governor of Tulkarem city Issam Abu Baker said that the weekly sit-in will continue in the city till the liberation of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
For their part, the prisoners’ families hailed the wide participation and the unprecedented presence of people in the sit-in.
The mother of the prisoner Youssef Mahdawi, who is sentenced to life term sentence, pointed to the difficult detention conditions and Israeli Prison Services’ arbitrary and punitive measures that deepened the suffering of the prisoners.
Our sons enjoy high spirits despite their deep suffering behind Israeli bars, the mother said, calling for continuing solidarity events in support of Palestinian prisoners.
She also urged the Red Cross and human rights institutions to intensify visits to Israeli prisons and to check on the prisoners’ conditions.
The Israeli occupation police on Tuesday morning came down heavily on the peaceful Muslim female worshipers and sit-inners at al-Aqsa Mosque, denying them the right to their prayers within for the second week running.
In the early morning hours, Israeli troops imposed a security cordon around the Mosque and prevented all Palestinian women, along with a number of male worshipers above the age of 25, from entering it.
Meanwhile, non-violent Muslim worshipers protested in front of al-Silsila Gate, lifting banners and chanting slogans in protest at Israeli intents to divide the mosque between Muslims and Jews.
The Muslim protesters further slammed the apathy maintained by the international community as regards Israeli attacks on the peaceful Muslim congregation.
According to local sources, the Israeli police kidnapped three Palestinian youngsters and dragged them to nearby investigation centers. One of the arrestees was released a few hours later.
At least 63 settlers, escorted by armed officers, broke into the al-Aqsa Mosque earlier in the morning, Jerusalem’s Awqaf (Endowment) department reported.
In the early morning hours, Israeli troops imposed a security cordon around the Mosque and prevented all Palestinian women, along with a number of male worshipers above the age of 25, from entering it.
Meanwhile, non-violent Muslim worshipers protested in front of al-Silsila Gate, lifting banners and chanting slogans in protest at Israeli intents to divide the mosque between Muslims and Jews.
The Muslim protesters further slammed the apathy maintained by the international community as regards Israeli attacks on the peaceful Muslim congregation.
According to local sources, the Israeli police kidnapped three Palestinian youngsters and dragged them to nearby investigation centers. One of the arrestees was released a few hours later.
At least 63 settlers, escorted by armed officers, broke into the al-Aqsa Mosque earlier in the morning, Jerusalem’s Awqaf (Endowment) department reported.
The prisoners’ media office raised alarm bells over the dire detention conditions endured by the Palestinian prisoner Nour al-Deen Amer, held in Israeli isolation cells for over a couple of years.
The prisoners’ office spoke out against the psycho-physical torture perpetrated by the Israeli prison authorities against the inmate.
The office quoted a lawyer from the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, who paid a visit to the detainee at the Israeli Ayalon jail, as saying that the detainee was subjected to exhaustive inter-prison transfers by the Israeli prison administration.
He added that he was heavily beaten by the Israeli suppressive units during one of the transfer processes, causing him a hemorrhage in his nose and pains in his body.
The prison authorities slapped visit-bans on Amer and prevented him from making phone calls with his cancer-stricken mother.
The prisoners’ office spoke out against the psycho-physical torture perpetrated by the Israeli prison authorities against the inmate.
The office quoted a lawyer from the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, who paid a visit to the detainee at the Israeli Ayalon jail, as saying that the detainee was subjected to exhaustive inter-prison transfers by the Israeli prison administration.
He added that he was heavily beaten by the Israeli suppressive units during one of the transfer processes, causing him a hemorrhage in his nose and pains in his body.
The prison authorities slapped visit-bans on Amer and prevented him from making phone calls with his cancer-stricken mother.
The committee of families of Jerusalemite prisoners issued a statistical report, on Tuesday, which showed that Israeli forces arrested 150 Jerusalemites last August.
The statistical report showed that the arrests covered a large number of minors including four under 12 years of age.
49 Jerusalemites were arrested on the background of daily events and confrontations of settlers’ incursions into the Aqsa Mosque.
51 cases were carried out in Palestinians’ houses while 99 were conducted in the field at different towns of Occupied Jerusalem. 69 youths, 13 women and 64 minors were among the arrested.
The statistical report showed that the arrests covered a large number of minors including four under 12 years of age.
49 Jerusalemites were arrested on the background of daily events and confrontations of settlers’ incursions into the Aqsa Mosque.
51 cases were carried out in Palestinians’ houses while 99 were conducted in the field at different towns of Occupied Jerusalem. 69 youths, 13 women and 64 minors were among the arrested.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) rounded up a Palestinian trader from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip after summoning him for investigation at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that the IOF soldiers arrested trader Tamer al-Berrim, 36, after being summoned to be questioned by Israeli intelligence at the crossing. He trades in construction materials.
The sources revealed that Berrim was arrested despite the fact that he possessed a pass permit via Beit Hanoun crossing.
The forces arrested about 12 merchants and summoned others in the past months. The last one arrested was Sami al-Batesh from Khan Younis.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that the IOF soldiers arrested trader Tamer al-Berrim, 36, after being summoned to be questioned by Israeli intelligence at the crossing. He trades in construction materials.
The sources revealed that Berrim was arrested despite the fact that he possessed a pass permit via Beit Hanoun crossing.
The forces arrested about 12 merchants and summoned others in the past months. The last one arrested was Sami al-Batesh from Khan Younis.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested at dawn Wednesday 12 Palestinian citizens during a large-scale raid campaign across the West Bank.
In al-Khalil, IOF raided Aroub refugee camp and violently broke into several local homes. Four arrests were reported during the raid.
Similar raids were carried out in Beit Ummar town. One detainee was reported, raising the number of detainees over the past 24 hours in the town to seven.
Along the same line, a military checkpoint was erected at the main road in Dir Samet town, west of the city. Palestinian vehicles were stopped and searched at the checkpoint.
In Nablus, two Palestinians were detained under the pretext of finding weapons in their possession.
Israeli media sources claimed that the two detainees were planning attacks against Israeli targets.
In Ramallah, the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said that three citizens were detained in Silwad at dawn today. One of the reported detainees is a father of two prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Jenin’s towns have also witnessed similar raids, which resulted in the arrest of two youths amid heavy presence of Israeli soldiers.
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are subjected to daily raids and arrests at the hands of Israeli forces. The trend has mainly targeted university students, ex-prisoners, academics, and human rights activists.
Soldiers Kidnap Seven Palestinians In The West Bank
On Wednesday at dawn, Israeli soldiers invaded various Palestinian communities in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and kidnapped at least seven Palestinians. Israeli fanatics destroy the main power transformer near Qalqilia.
Media sources in Jenin, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank have reported that several military vehicles invaded Kafr Dan village, west of Jenin, and kidnapped Ezzeddin Hafeth Zayyoud, 20 years of age, after storming and searching his home.
Soldiers also kidnapped Mohammad Farouq ‘Aabed, 21, from his home in Sielet al-Harethiyya town, west of Jenin.
In addition, soldiers invaded Beit Ummar town and the al-‘Arroub refugee camp, in the southern West Bank district of Hebron, searched and ransacked several homes, and kidnapped two teenagers, identified as Bashir Azraq Abu Abbash, 18, and Mahmoud Mohammad al-‘Adarba, 17 years of age.
The Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said the soldiers assaulted Ahmad and his sister Dua’ al-‘Adarba, before kidnapping their brother, Mahmoud.
Dozens of soldiers also invaded the students’ housing in the Polytechnic University, in Hebron, and searched it causing property damage.
The PPS Ramallah office said the soldiers also invaded Silwad town, east of the city, searched and ransacked several homes, and kidnapped three Palestinians identified as Kayed Qaddoura Hammad, Ziad Abdul-Jalil and Mousa Najjar.
It said Hammad is the father of detainee Tha’er, who is held by Israel after being sentenced to eleven life terms, and Abdul-Qader who is serving an eleven-year term.
In related news, soldiers closed the southern entrance of the al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem, allegedly after locating an “unidentified object.”
The army closed the Iron Gate of the roadblock, and prevented the Palestinians from crossing, causing a huge traffic jam.
Furthermore, a number of Israeli fanatics sabotaged the main power transformer, providing Kufur Qaddoum village east of Qalqilia with electricity, causing a power blackout for several hours.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Kufur Qaddoum, Morad Eshteiwy, said this is the second attack of its kind, adding that the Israeli fanatics repeatedly attack the town and its lands in retaliation to its ongoing nonviolent protests against the Wall and settlements, and the closure of its main road for the thirteenth consecutive year.
Hamza Jom’a, the head of the Kufur Qaddoum Local Council, said the soldiers and security guards of Kedumim illegal colony obstructed the work of local technicians trying to repair the damage.
In al-Khalil, IOF raided Aroub refugee camp and violently broke into several local homes. Four arrests were reported during the raid.
Similar raids were carried out in Beit Ummar town. One detainee was reported, raising the number of detainees over the past 24 hours in the town to seven.
Along the same line, a military checkpoint was erected at the main road in Dir Samet town, west of the city. Palestinian vehicles were stopped and searched at the checkpoint.
In Nablus, two Palestinians were detained under the pretext of finding weapons in their possession.
Israeli media sources claimed that the two detainees were planning attacks against Israeli targets.
In Ramallah, the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said that three citizens were detained in Silwad at dawn today. One of the reported detainees is a father of two prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Jenin’s towns have also witnessed similar raids, which resulted in the arrest of two youths amid heavy presence of Israeli soldiers.
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are subjected to daily raids and arrests at the hands of Israeli forces. The trend has mainly targeted university students, ex-prisoners, academics, and human rights activists.
Soldiers Kidnap Seven Palestinians In The West Bank
On Wednesday at dawn, Israeli soldiers invaded various Palestinian communities in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and kidnapped at least seven Palestinians. Israeli fanatics destroy the main power transformer near Qalqilia.
Media sources in Jenin, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank have reported that several military vehicles invaded Kafr Dan village, west of Jenin, and kidnapped Ezzeddin Hafeth Zayyoud, 20 years of age, after storming and searching his home.
Soldiers also kidnapped Mohammad Farouq ‘Aabed, 21, from his home in Sielet al-Harethiyya town, west of Jenin.
In addition, soldiers invaded Beit Ummar town and the al-‘Arroub refugee camp, in the southern West Bank district of Hebron, searched and ransacked several homes, and kidnapped two teenagers, identified as Bashir Azraq Abu Abbash, 18, and Mahmoud Mohammad al-‘Adarba, 17 years of age.
The Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said the soldiers assaulted Ahmad and his sister Dua’ al-‘Adarba, before kidnapping their brother, Mahmoud.
Dozens of soldiers also invaded the students’ housing in the Polytechnic University, in Hebron, and searched it causing property damage.
The PPS Ramallah office said the soldiers also invaded Silwad town, east of the city, searched and ransacked several homes, and kidnapped three Palestinians identified as Kayed Qaddoura Hammad, Ziad Abdul-Jalil and Mousa Najjar.
It said Hammad is the father of detainee Tha’er, who is held by Israel after being sentenced to eleven life terms, and Abdul-Qader who is serving an eleven-year term.
In related news, soldiers closed the southern entrance of the al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem, allegedly after locating an “unidentified object.”
The army closed the Iron Gate of the roadblock, and prevented the Palestinians from crossing, causing a huge traffic jam.
Furthermore, a number of Israeli fanatics sabotaged the main power transformer, providing Kufur Qaddoum village east of Qalqilia with electricity, causing a power blackout for several hours.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Kufur Qaddoum, Morad Eshteiwy, said this is the second attack of its kind, adding that the Israeli fanatics repeatedly attack the town and its lands in retaliation to its ongoing nonviolent protests against the Wall and settlements, and the closure of its main road for the thirteenth consecutive year.
Hamza Jom’a, the head of the Kufur Qaddoum Local Council, said the soldiers and security guards of Kedumim illegal colony obstructed the work of local technicians trying to repair the damage.
The head of the Palestinian Detainees' Committee Issa Qaraqe said that five Palestinian detainees, held by Israel under arbitrary Administrative Detention orders without charges or trial, are ongoing with their hunger strike since August 20.
His statements came during a solidarity protest held in the Deheishe refugee camp, in Bethlehem, as hundreds of Palestinians, including social and political leaders expressed their support to all detainees, especially those held under Administrative Detention orders.
Qaraqe warned that Israel might try to force-feed the striking detainees amidst the lack of media attention, especially since the striking detainees have been forced into solitary confinement in the Ela prison in Beersheba (Be’er as-Sabe’).
He added that, by forcing the detainees into solitary confinement, the Israeli Prison Authority could escalate its violations against them, intimidate and even force-feed them.
The hunger-striking detainees are Nidal Abu 'Aker, Ghassan Zawahra, Shadi Ma'ali, Thabet Nassar and Bader ar-Rozza.
They said that dozens of detainees are likely to join the strike, and demanded an end to Israel's illegal Administrative Detention policies, and its constant violations of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The mother of detainees Samer, Medhat and their sister lawyer Shireen al-‘Eesawy, all held by Israel, called for more support to all detainees, and to provide them with the urgently needed protection as Israel continues to escalate it violations against them.
It is worth mentioning that the striking detainees said, in a statement leaked from their solitary confinement cells, that their legitimate struggle will continue until voiding this illegal detention, holding the detainees captive for months, and even years, behind bars without charges or trial.
"Administrative Detention is like a sword pointed to our necks, eating our flesh, and stealing our years without any legal process or trial," they said, "We will continue our strike; we will fight with our flesh and empty bowels.”
They also called for more public, local, regional and international support of their legitimate cause and struggle, in order to end the Israeli crimes, and the outrageous violations of International Law.
His statements came during a solidarity protest held in the Deheishe refugee camp, in Bethlehem, as hundreds of Palestinians, including social and political leaders expressed their support to all detainees, especially those held under Administrative Detention orders.
Qaraqe warned that Israel might try to force-feed the striking detainees amidst the lack of media attention, especially since the striking detainees have been forced into solitary confinement in the Ela prison in Beersheba (Be’er as-Sabe’).
He added that, by forcing the detainees into solitary confinement, the Israeli Prison Authority could escalate its violations against them, intimidate and even force-feed them.
The hunger-striking detainees are Nidal Abu 'Aker, Ghassan Zawahra, Shadi Ma'ali, Thabet Nassar and Bader ar-Rozza.
They said that dozens of detainees are likely to join the strike, and demanded an end to Israel's illegal Administrative Detention policies, and its constant violations of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The mother of detainees Samer, Medhat and their sister lawyer Shireen al-‘Eesawy, all held by Israel, called for more support to all detainees, and to provide them with the urgently needed protection as Israel continues to escalate it violations against them.
It is worth mentioning that the striking detainees said, in a statement leaked from their solitary confinement cells, that their legitimate struggle will continue until voiding this illegal detention, holding the detainees captive for months, and even years, behind bars without charges or trial.
"Administrative Detention is like a sword pointed to our necks, eating our flesh, and stealing our years without any legal process or trial," they said, "We will continue our strike; we will fight with our flesh and empty bowels.”
They also called for more public, local, regional and international support of their legitimate cause and struggle, in order to end the Israeli crimes, and the outrageous violations of International Law.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested on Tuesday 12 Palestinians after storming their houses in the West Bank.
The Israeli Channel Seventh revealed that the Israeli army detained 12 Palestinians claiming that they were wanted to the Israeli authorities. Ten of them are accused of practicing activities against Israeli soldiers and settlers.
Five of the detainees are from Beit Ummar town in al-Khalil; three are from Aqbah Jabr town in Jericho, two from Zieta in Nablus, one from Kafr Qaddoum in Qalqilya and another from Bethlehem.
Israeli arrests have become an everyday practice by the Israeli forces in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem. It includes all segments of the Palestinian people regardless of age.
The Israeli Channel Seventh revealed that the Israeli army detained 12 Palestinians claiming that they were wanted to the Israeli authorities. Ten of them are accused of practicing activities against Israeli soldiers and settlers.
Five of the detainees are from Beit Ummar town in al-Khalil; three are from Aqbah Jabr town in Jericho, two from Zieta in Nablus, one from Kafr Qaddoum in Qalqilya and another from Bethlehem.
Israeli arrests have become an everyday practice by the Israeli forces in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem. It includes all segments of the Palestinian people regardless of age.
1 sept 2015
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, on Tuesday at dawn, four Palestinians, including a father and his son, in the West Bank district of Jericho.
The Jericho office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that the soldiers invaded, and violently searched several homes, and interrogated many residents before kidnapping four.
The four have been identified as Fakhr 'Awadhat, 52, and his son Saddam, 20, in addition to Mohammad Bassem Hmeidat, 20, and Rafat Mahmoud 'Ata.
Earlier on Tuesday, soldiers kidnapped at least nine Palestinians in different districts of the occupied West Bank, during various military invasions, and searches of homes.
The Jericho office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that the soldiers invaded, and violently searched several homes, and interrogated many residents before kidnapping four.
The four have been identified as Fakhr 'Awadhat, 52, and his son Saddam, 20, in addition to Mohammad Bassem Hmeidat, 20, and Rafat Mahmoud 'Ata.
Earlier on Tuesday, soldiers kidnapped at least nine Palestinians in different districts of the occupied West Bank, during various military invasions, and searches of homes.
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, earlier on Tuesday, at least nine Palestinians in different districts of the occupied West Bank, during various military invasions, and searches of homes.
Media spokesperson of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, Mohammad ‘Ayyad ‘Awad, said the soldiers stormed and searched several homes in the town, causing excessive property damage, and kidnapped five young men.
The kidnapped have been identified as Maisar Sadeq Abu Mariya, 28, Moayyad Hasan at-Teet, 25, Sharif Fathi Breigheeth, 25, Mohammad Jamal Abu Hashem, 20, and Mohannad Abdul-Fattah ‘Arar, 18 years of age.
All kidnapped Palestinians are former political prisoners; they were moved to the Etzion military base.
‘Awad added that the soldiers handed Hamza Ahmad Abu Hashem, 16, a military warrant for interrogation in the Gush Etzion military base.
In addition, soldiers installed several roadblocks in a number of neighborhoods in Hebron city, the main entrance of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, and the northern entrance of Hebron city, before stopping and searching dozens of cars, and investigated the ID cards of the passenger.
Soldiers also invaded Zawata village, west of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, and kidnapped two Palestinians identified as Shaddad Shaher Abu ‘Amsha, 32, and Mohammad Thabet Abu ‘Amsha, 42.
Furthermore, soldiers kidnapped Ishaq Abdul-‘Aziz Ashqar, as he was trying to cross the Za’tara military roadblock, south of Nablus.
In Bethlehem, soldiers invaded the ‘Aida refugee camp, north of the city, searched a number of homes, and kidnapped Ahmad Mahmoud Ja’ara, 16 years of age.
Clashes have also been reported, on Tuesday at dawn, between local Palestinian youths and Israeli troops in Dahiat Um ash-Sharayet, in the al-Biereh City, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, after dozens of soldiers invaded it.
Media sources said the soldiers surrounded the city, especially Um ash-Sharayet area, and besieged a residential building before breaking into several apartments, and violently searching them causing property damage.
The sources added that sounds of explosions were heard in the building, while clashes also took place between the invading soldiers and local youths.
Media spokesperson of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, Mohammad ‘Ayyad ‘Awad, said the soldiers stormed and searched several homes in the town, causing excessive property damage, and kidnapped five young men.
The kidnapped have been identified as Maisar Sadeq Abu Mariya, 28, Moayyad Hasan at-Teet, 25, Sharif Fathi Breigheeth, 25, Mohammad Jamal Abu Hashem, 20, and Mohannad Abdul-Fattah ‘Arar, 18 years of age.
All kidnapped Palestinians are former political prisoners; they were moved to the Etzion military base.
‘Awad added that the soldiers handed Hamza Ahmad Abu Hashem, 16, a military warrant for interrogation in the Gush Etzion military base.
In addition, soldiers installed several roadblocks in a number of neighborhoods in Hebron city, the main entrance of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, and the northern entrance of Hebron city, before stopping and searching dozens of cars, and investigated the ID cards of the passenger.
Soldiers also invaded Zawata village, west of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, and kidnapped two Palestinians identified as Shaddad Shaher Abu ‘Amsha, 32, and Mohammad Thabet Abu ‘Amsha, 42.
Furthermore, soldiers kidnapped Ishaq Abdul-‘Aziz Ashqar, as he was trying to cross the Za’tara military roadblock, south of Nablus.
In Bethlehem, soldiers invaded the ‘Aida refugee camp, north of the city, searched a number of homes, and kidnapped Ahmad Mahmoud Ja’ara, 16 years of age.
Clashes have also been reported, on Tuesday at dawn, between local Palestinian youths and Israeli troops in Dahiat Um ash-Sharayet, in the al-Biereh City, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, after dozens of soldiers invaded it.
Media sources said the soldiers surrounded the city, especially Um ash-Sharayet area, and besieged a residential building before breaking into several apartments, and violently searching them causing property damage.
The sources added that sounds of explosions were heard in the building, while clashes also took place between the invading soldiers and local youths.
Four Palestinian citizens were killed and 348 others were detained by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) during the past month of August, the Ahrar Center for Prisoner Studies and Human Rights documented.
According to the report, four Palestinian citizens were shot dead by the IOF and 348 others were arrested.
The Ahrar center identified the four casualties as 37-year-old Saad Mohamed Dawabsheh, who succumbed to the wounds sustained in an arson attack by Israeli settlers; 20-year-old Anas Montasser; Rafiq Taj, 21; and Mohamed Bassem al-Atrash, 22.
348 Palestinians were detained by the IOF across the West Bank, Occupied Jerusalem, and the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Occupied Jerusalem hit a record high of 109 arrestees, followed by 253 in West Bank provinces, and four in the Gaza Strip.
The report further documented an upsurge in Israeli attacks on Palestinian fishermen over the past few months.
22 women, including a journalist and Muslim sit-inners at al-Aqsa, were arrested during the month of August.
At least 35 Palestinian minors were also arrested during the same period.
According to the report, four Palestinian citizens were shot dead by the IOF and 348 others were arrested.
The Ahrar center identified the four casualties as 37-year-old Saad Mohamed Dawabsheh, who succumbed to the wounds sustained in an arson attack by Israeli settlers; 20-year-old Anas Montasser; Rafiq Taj, 21; and Mohamed Bassem al-Atrash, 22.
348 Palestinians were detained by the IOF across the West Bank, Occupied Jerusalem, and the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Occupied Jerusalem hit a record high of 109 arrestees, followed by 253 in West Bank provinces, and four in the Gaza Strip.
The report further documented an upsurge in Israeli attacks on Palestinian fishermen over the past few months.
22 women, including a journalist and Muslim sit-inners at al-Aqsa, were arrested during the month of August.
At least 35 Palestinian minors were also arrested during the same period.
Detainees and Ex-Detainees Committee published on Monday testimonials of detained Palestinian minors on torture in the Israeli Megiddo jail. They were abused and assaulted in full disregard of international laws and human rights principles.
Heba Mesalha, lawyer of the Committee, visited the minors in Megiddo on Sunday and reported three testimonials on torture and abuse.
The first story was of Ahmad Abu Omar, 17, from Nablus. He was arrested two months ago after Israeli soldiers started beating him all over his body. The IOF soldiers blindfolded his eyes, handcuffed him, hit him on the head and shoulder with their rifles and transferred him to Ariel settlement then to Howarah detention center, he said.
During investigation, he was cursed all the time and was undressed for strip search while on the way to Megiddo prison, he added.
The second story is of the minor Ahmad Sabbah, 17, from Bethlehem. He said that the Israeli soldiers stormed his family house, at one a.m. in the morning, a few months ago. The troops were escorted by police dogs which terrorized the children in the house while the soldiers were shouting and screaming.
The lawyer quoted Sabbah as saying that the soldiers blindfolded his eyes, handcuffed him and pushed him into a military jeep. They hit him on the head forcing him keep his head down. He was taken to Etzion detention center then to Megiddo where he was undressed for strip search.
The third testimonial was made by Iyad Adawi, 17, from Nablus. He said that Israeli soldiers attacked him by severe beating during arrest. One of the soldiers deliberately cut his hands, with a knife, while cutting the plastic cuffs at arrest and transfer for investigation, he underlined.
Heba Mesalha, lawyer of the Committee, visited the minors in Megiddo on Sunday and reported three testimonials on torture and abuse.
The first story was of Ahmad Abu Omar, 17, from Nablus. He was arrested two months ago after Israeli soldiers started beating him all over his body. The IOF soldiers blindfolded his eyes, handcuffed him, hit him on the head and shoulder with their rifles and transferred him to Ariel settlement then to Howarah detention center, he said.
During investigation, he was cursed all the time and was undressed for strip search while on the way to Megiddo prison, he added.
The second story is of the minor Ahmad Sabbah, 17, from Bethlehem. He said that the Israeli soldiers stormed his family house, at one a.m. in the morning, a few months ago. The troops were escorted by police dogs which terrorized the children in the house while the soldiers were shouting and screaming.
The lawyer quoted Sabbah as saying that the soldiers blindfolded his eyes, handcuffed him and pushed him into a military jeep. They hit him on the head forcing him keep his head down. He was taken to Etzion detention center then to Megiddo where he was undressed for strip search.
The third testimonial was made by Iyad Adawi, 17, from Nablus. He said that Israeli soldiers attacked him by severe beating during arrest. One of the soldiers deliberately cut his hands, with a knife, while cutting the plastic cuffs at arrest and transfer for investigation, he underlined.
Israeli forces barred six guards of the Aqsa Mosque from entering the Islamic holy site for two months after summoning them for investigation. A Jerusalemite woman was also barred from entering the Mosque for 30 days.
Sources of the Islamic Endowment Department in Occupied Jerusalem revealed on Monday that Israeli police in Jerusalem summoned six of the guards of the Aqsa Mosque, who are employed by the department, to be questioned at Qasheleh investigation center in the city.
The sources said that the guards were informed that there are going to be so many summonses, describing the threat as unjustified.
The Israeli forces arrested an employee at the endowment department after storming his house in the Old City of Jerusalem, the sources said.
Lawyer Hamza Qutteineh revealed that the Israeli magistrate court ruled against a Jerusalemite woman with deportation away from the Aqsa Mosque for 30 days. She was arrested on Thursday.
Two other Jerusalemite young detainees were released on Sunday after ending their detention periods. They spent sentences of 18 and 21 months respectively in Israeli jails.
Sources of the Islamic Endowment Department in Occupied Jerusalem revealed on Monday that Israeli police in Jerusalem summoned six of the guards of the Aqsa Mosque, who are employed by the department, to be questioned at Qasheleh investigation center in the city.
The sources said that the guards were informed that there are going to be so many summonses, describing the threat as unjustified.
The Israeli forces arrested an employee at the endowment department after storming his house in the Old City of Jerusalem, the sources said.
Lawyer Hamza Qutteineh revealed that the Israeli magistrate court ruled against a Jerusalemite woman with deportation away from the Aqsa Mosque for 30 days. She was arrested on Thursday.
Two other Jerusalemite young detainees were released on Sunday after ending their detention periods. They spent sentences of 18 and 21 months respectively in Israeli jails.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested on Monday evening two Palestinians at different locations in al-Khalil governorate.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that the Israeli forces arrested Ashraf Khaled Sabarneh at an Israeli military checkpoint that was erected at the entrance of Beit Ummar town to the north of al-Khalil city.
He was blindfolded, handcuffed and transferred to an unknown destination after checking his Identity Card. The IOF soldiers checked the IDs of other passengers as well, the eyewitnesses pointed out.
Local sources also revealed that Israeli troops rounded up the Palestinian Abed al-Ajlouni at a military checkpoint near al-Haram al-Ibrahimi mosque. He was searched and taken to an unknown destination.
Tension is still prevailing in Johar Mount in light of the continuation of confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli troops deployed in the area since the afternoon, the sources underlined.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that the Israeli forces arrested Ashraf Khaled Sabarneh at an Israeli military checkpoint that was erected at the entrance of Beit Ummar town to the north of al-Khalil city.
He was blindfolded, handcuffed and transferred to an unknown destination after checking his Identity Card. The IOF soldiers checked the IDs of other passengers as well, the eyewitnesses pointed out.
Local sources also revealed that Israeli troops rounded up the Palestinian Abed al-Ajlouni at a military checkpoint near al-Haram al-Ibrahimi mosque. He was searched and taken to an unknown destination.
Tension is still prevailing in Johar Mount in light of the continuation of confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli troops deployed in the area since the afternoon, the sources underlined.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) at dawn Monday rounded up four Palestinian young men after storming their houses in the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem and Shufat town to the north of the city.
Quds Press revealed that the Palestinian men were identified as Amir Qtaineh, Wahid Meraziq, Ramzi al-Rajabi and Bilal Hroub. The first two are from the Old City of Jerusalem and the others are from Shufat town.
Clashes erupted in Shufat prior to the Israeli detention operation. Israeli forces randomly fired stun grenades and tear gas bombs at Palestinians.
Quds Press revealed that the Palestinian men were identified as Amir Qtaineh, Wahid Meraziq, Ramzi al-Rajabi and Bilal Hroub. The first two are from the Old City of Jerusalem and the others are from Shufat town.
Clashes erupted in Shufat prior to the Israeli detention operation. Israeli forces randomly fired stun grenades and tear gas bombs at Palestinians.
Dozens of Israeli military vehicles invaded, late on Monday at night, the Jenin refugee camp, in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, rammed a child with a vehicle, and fired dozens of gas bombs causing scores of injuries, before kidnapping a father, his mother, his son, and his brother.
Media sources in Jenin said the soldiers surrounded the home of former political prisoner Majdi Abu al-Haija, before kidnapping him along with his son, Soheib, 18, his brother ‘Ala, and his mother.
The sources said the soldiers surrounded the property and used loud speakers ordering the family to leave the building, and demanded Majdi to “surrender.”
A Palestinian child, identified as Islam Dhababa, 15 years of age, was injured after being rammed with a military vehicle during the invasion.
Medics of the Civil Defense and the Red Crescent said the soldiers prevented them from even approaching Abu al-Haija family home, and pushed more soldiers into the area leading to extensive clashes with dozens of local youths.
The soldiers also used military helicopters during the invasion, while sounds of explosions were clearly heard in the entire area.
The Israeli army claimed one soldier suffered a moderate-to-severe injury during clashes in the camp, and was moved to the Rambam Israeli Hospital in Haifa.
Eyewitnesses said the invasion was carried out by at least forty military vehicles, and an armored bulldozer, advancing into Jenin and its refugee camp, from various directions.
Soldier moderately wounded in West Bank arrest operation
Israeli forces enter West Bank town of Jenin to arrest wanted Islamic Jihad official, sparking violent clashes, wounding at least 5 Palestinians.
An Israeli soldier was moderately wounded in clashes that erupted Monday night in Jenin in the northern West Bank after Israeli security forces entered the area to arrest a wanted Palestinian suspect. The military is investigating the possibility the soldier was wounded by friendly fire.
The clashes lasted till dawn Tuesday.
At least five Palestinians were also wounded in the clashes, and were transported to a hospital in Jenin in light condition. There were conflicting reports on the nature of the Palestinians' injuries, with Palestinian medical sources saying the five were wounded by rubber bullets, while the head of the Red Crescent in Jenin said they suffered from smoke inhalation. Some reports said as many as 20 Palestinians were hurt.
During the raid, hundreds of Palestinians rioted in the area, hurling rocks and firebombs at the Israeli forces, the military said.
The Palestinians said that heavy gunfire broke out in fighting between the Israeli troops - which included IDF and Border Police counterterrorism troops, as well as Shin Bet operatives - and Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters.
At first, the IDF Spokesman's Unit said the forces were fired upon, but later said troops "heard gunfire."
Palestinian sources reported that the IDF was trying to arrest Bassam al-Saadi, a senior Islamic Jihad official in the West Bank, who spent time in Israeli jail and was released in 2011.
The Palestinians claimed that soldiers had fired a rocket at Saadi's home. According to the reports, Saadi was outside of the building at the time and was unharmed. Hamas and Islamic Jihad sources in Jenin said Saadi was able to escape and evade arrest and was "alive and wasn't killed."
Security forces also surrounded the home of the Abu Alhaija family, suspected of having ties to Hamas' military wing in the West Bank. Palestinian sources said Majdi Abu Alhaija was arrested, as well as his brother Alaa, his 15-year-old son and his mother. The house itself was demolished by the IDF.
The wounded soldier, from the Border Police's Yamam (counterterrorism) unit was evacuated by helicopter to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa where he received care and doctors said he was in stable condition.
Shortly before dawn, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel early Tuesday, but the rocket appeared to have landed inside Gaza, the Israeli military said.
A small Salafist group in Gaza affiliated with the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for firing two rockets Tuesday toward Israel, saying it was in retaliation for the West Bank arrest raid.
Media sources in Jenin said the soldiers surrounded the home of former political prisoner Majdi Abu al-Haija, before kidnapping him along with his son, Soheib, 18, his brother ‘Ala, and his mother.
The sources said the soldiers surrounded the property and used loud speakers ordering the family to leave the building, and demanded Majdi to “surrender.”
A Palestinian child, identified as Islam Dhababa, 15 years of age, was injured after being rammed with a military vehicle during the invasion.
Medics of the Civil Defense and the Red Crescent said the soldiers prevented them from even approaching Abu al-Haija family home, and pushed more soldiers into the area leading to extensive clashes with dozens of local youths.
The soldiers also used military helicopters during the invasion, while sounds of explosions were clearly heard in the entire area.
The Israeli army claimed one soldier suffered a moderate-to-severe injury during clashes in the camp, and was moved to the Rambam Israeli Hospital in Haifa.
Eyewitnesses said the invasion was carried out by at least forty military vehicles, and an armored bulldozer, advancing into Jenin and its refugee camp, from various directions.
Soldier moderately wounded in West Bank arrest operation
Israeli forces enter West Bank town of Jenin to arrest wanted Islamic Jihad official, sparking violent clashes, wounding at least 5 Palestinians.
An Israeli soldier was moderately wounded in clashes that erupted Monday night in Jenin in the northern West Bank after Israeli security forces entered the area to arrest a wanted Palestinian suspect. The military is investigating the possibility the soldier was wounded by friendly fire.
The clashes lasted till dawn Tuesday.
At least five Palestinians were also wounded in the clashes, and were transported to a hospital in Jenin in light condition. There were conflicting reports on the nature of the Palestinians' injuries, with Palestinian medical sources saying the five were wounded by rubber bullets, while the head of the Red Crescent in Jenin said they suffered from smoke inhalation. Some reports said as many as 20 Palestinians were hurt.
During the raid, hundreds of Palestinians rioted in the area, hurling rocks and firebombs at the Israeli forces, the military said.
The Palestinians said that heavy gunfire broke out in fighting between the Israeli troops - which included IDF and Border Police counterterrorism troops, as well as Shin Bet operatives - and Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters.
At first, the IDF Spokesman's Unit said the forces were fired upon, but later said troops "heard gunfire."
Palestinian sources reported that the IDF was trying to arrest Bassam al-Saadi, a senior Islamic Jihad official in the West Bank, who spent time in Israeli jail and was released in 2011.
The Palestinians claimed that soldiers had fired a rocket at Saadi's home. According to the reports, Saadi was outside of the building at the time and was unharmed. Hamas and Islamic Jihad sources in Jenin said Saadi was able to escape and evade arrest and was "alive and wasn't killed."
Security forces also surrounded the home of the Abu Alhaija family, suspected of having ties to Hamas' military wing in the West Bank. Palestinian sources said Majdi Abu Alhaija was arrested, as well as his brother Alaa, his 15-year-old son and his mother. The house itself was demolished by the IDF.
The wounded soldier, from the Border Police's Yamam (counterterrorism) unit was evacuated by helicopter to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa where he received care and doctors said he was in stable condition.
Shortly before dawn, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel early Tuesday, but the rocket appeared to have landed inside Gaza, the Israeli military said.
A small Salafist group in Gaza affiliated with the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for firing two rockets Tuesday toward Israel, saying it was in retaliation for the West Bank arrest raid.
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