RAMALLAH, August 18, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces on Monday detained Culture Minister Imad Hamdan and his delegation in Kafr Ni'ma village, west of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.

The occupying forces briefly detained Hamdan and members of his delegation during a visit to the Youth Village, a youth-led cooperative project, in the village.

The incident followed an assault by Israeli colonists against the minister’s staff. Colonists beat ministry employees, blocked their access to the Youth Village, and seized their mobile phones and ID cards.

The colonists also briefly held Bader Zamareh, Executive Director of Sharek Youth Forum, along with a group of youths at the scene.

Minister Hamdan said that the “arrogant practices” by the occupation forces and colonists “will only strengthen our determination to support youth initiatives and to continue cultural activities despite all the obstacles and challenges imposed by the occupation.”

Colonists’ violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.

Colonists’ violence includes property and mosque arsons, stone-throwing, uprooting of crops and olive trees, and attacks on vulnerable homes, among others.

Approximately 1 million Israeli colonists are living in colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in violation of international law.

K.F.