RAMALLAH, February 20, 2011 (WAFA) – Israeli forces have carried out a series of house raids and arrests in the West Bank and Gaza, according to witnesses.

Israeli soldiers raided the village of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron in the southern West Bank, and arrested a Palestinian man after raiding his home. They also raided three other Palestinians’ homes and damaged their contents, according to Mohammed Awad, spokesperson for the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlements.

Meanwhile, security sources in Bethlehem told WAFA that Israeli soldiers raided the village of Hosan west of the city, breaking into a home and arresting a 29 year old Palestinian man.     

In Gaza, Israeli forces in military boats abducted and arrested three Palestinian fishermen at dawn today off the shores of Khan Younis.

Fishing is a main source of livelihood in Gaza; there are about 3500 fishermen who own 700 fishing boats and sustain approximately 70,000 people.

F.J.