The Traffic Club indicated in an official statement that among those detained were a woman and a wounded person, in addition to former prisoners, including a prisoner from Hebron who was released two days ago, while the arrests were distributed among the governorates of Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Jerusalem.
According to the statement, “Israeli forces continue to carry out field investigation operations, which have escalated remarkably during the recent period, as they carried out field investigation operations against dozens of Palestinians in the towns of Madama and Burin in the Nablus Governorate.”
The statement pointed out that “the number of arrests since the start of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023 has reached more than 11,000, and 500 citizens from the West Bank and Jerusalem.”
The statement stressed that “Israeli forces continue to carry out arrest campaigns in the West Bank, accompanied by systematic abuse and torture against detainees and their families, in an unprecedented manner, and the sick, wounded, and elderly were not excluded during the arrest campaigns.”
While the Israeli army continues its raids, settlers continue their attacks on Palestinians in various areas of the West Bank, especially against farmers during the olive harvest season.
In a separate statement, the Palestinian Family and Editors Authority confirmed that the Palestinian female prisoners in Damoun Prison are suffering from catastrophic conditions, represented by the confiscation of the jilbab, hijab, and niqab and replacing them with only a “gray sports suit” and without the hijab.
The statement indicated that the prisoner’s rooms are subjected to arbitrary searches on a daily basis in the dawn hours, and the female prison guards strip-search them and confiscate their simple belongings, such as an empty plastic box. They also suffer from a severe shortage of personal and private cleaning materials, and a shortage in the number of blankets in conjunction with the drop in temperatures with Entering winter.
According to the statement, “The Damoun Prison administration two weeks ago deliberately installed lighting fixtures outside the prisoners’ rooms and eliminated the interior ones to allow the prisoners to control the lighting times according to their mood,” in addition to “the starvation policy that the prison administration is pursuing against them has led to hormonal changes and side effects in their bodies for months.”
Source: RT
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**Interview with Ahmad Qasem, a Palestinian Human Rights Advocate**
**Editor**: Ahmad, thank you for joining us today. We’ve just seen a report that over 11,600 Palestinians have been detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank since last year, with 15 new arrests in recent raids. What is the current situation on the ground?
**Ahmad Qasem**: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed dire. The recent raids have escalated tensions significantly. It’s alarming to see not just the numbers, but the demographics of those arrested—women, wounded individuals, and even former prisoners who were just released.
**Editor**: It was mentioned that the arrests were concentrated across different governorates, including Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Jerusalem. Why do you think these areas are targeted?
**Ahmad Qasem**: These areas have been hotspots for resistance and activism against the occupation. The Israeli forces often conduct raids as part of their strategy to suppress dissent and intimidate the Palestinian population. The focus on towns like Nablus, which have a rich history of resilience, reflects their efforts to stifle any potential unity or uprisings.
**Editor**: The statement from the Traffic Club highlighted the aspect of “field investigation operations.” Can you elaborate on what this means for those living in these regions?
**Ahmad Qasem**: “Field investigation operations” usually involve military forces entering communities and gathering intelligence, often through aggressive means. This can lead to increased fear and anxiety among residents, as it disrupts daily life and often involves violence or harassment. Such operations are a form of psychological warfare that aims to break the spirit of the communities.
**Editor**: Since the onset of the Israeli war on Gaza in October 2023, we’ve seen an increase in arrests. How does this relate to the wider political situation?
**Ahmad Qasem**: The escalation in the West Bank can be seen as an extension of the conflict stemming from Gaza. Following the outbreak of violence, the Israeli government appears to be treating the West Bank as a front in its broader military strategy. This is unfortunate, as it complicates diplomatic efforts and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis that both Palestinians and Israelis face.
**Editor**: In your opinion, what should be the international community’s response to such actions?
**Ahmad Qasem**: The international community must increase pressure on Israel to comply with international law and human rights standards. This includes calling for accountability for unlawful arrests and abuses. Moreover, it’s crucial for governments and NGOs to amplify Palestinian voices and stories to foster a deeper understanding of the situation. Only through sustained advocacy can we hope for meaningful change.
**Editor**: Ahmad, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains complex and requires attention from all corners of the globe.
**Ahmad Qasem**: Thank you for shedding light on these critical issues. The voices of those affected must not be silenced.
