Israeli Forces Detain at Least 20 Palestinians in West Bank, East Jerusalem

At least 20 Palestinians were apprehended by Israeli security forces during raids in several districts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, local media reported on Thursday, citing Palestinian and Israeli sources.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Palestinian Maan news agency reported that overnight, raids took place all across the West Bank and East Jerusalem territories, including Jenin district in northern West Bank, Ramallah district, Khillet al-Ein and Safa areas of Beit Ummar village.

Several Molotov cocktails were thrown at Israeli security forces as they were leaving Beit Ummar, the media outlet pointed out, citing local activist Muhamamd Ayyad Awad.

Israeli forces regularly conduct search and detention raids on the territory of the West Bank. On August 2, media reported that Israeli forces detained at least 21 Palestinians, including a Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member.

Palestinians have been seeking diplomatic recognition for their independent state in the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as the Gaza Strip. Israel refuses to recognize Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity and is partly occupying West Bank territories and building Jewish settlements despite objections from the United Nations.