BETHLEHEM, Friday, January 17, 2020 (WAFA) – Israeli troops today detained at least three Palestinians from the southern West Bank district of Bethlehem.

Security sources confirmed that Israeli forces conducted a raid into Bethlehem city, resulting in the detention of two Palestinians, including a former prisoner.

Soldiers also rounded up another after ransacking his family’s house in a raid in Njeim village, located to the east of Bethlehem.

Israeli forces frequently raid Palestinian houses almost on a daily basis across the West Bank on the pretext of searching for “wanted” Palestinians, triggering clashes with residents.

These raids, which take place also in areas under the full control of the Palestinian Authority, are conducted with no need for a search warrant, whenever and wherever the military chooses in keeping with its sweeping arbitrary powers.

According to Palestinian figures, roughly 5,700 Palestinians -- including numerous women and children -- are currently languishing in Israeli detention facilities.

K.F.