BETHLEHEM, September 19, 2026 (WAFA) — Israeli occupation forces today detained several Palestinians, including women and children, in the village of Battir, west of Bethlehem, while Israeli colonists pursued shepherds east of the governorate.
Palestinian security sources told WAFA that Israeli forces detained several Palestinians for several hours while they were in the railway area of Battir before releasing them.
The area is a popular tourist destination frequented by Palestinians for recreation and taking photographs.
In the Za'tara wilderness east of Bethlehem, armed Israeli colonists pursued shepherds and chased them in an attempt to force them to leave the area.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces set up a military checkpoint on the Za'tara Bridge, stopping Palestinian vehicles, searching them and checking passengers' identification documents, disrupting movement in the area.
In Wadi Abu Njeim, east of Bethlehem, armed Israeli colonists released their sheep to graze on Palestinian-owned land and gathered near residents' homes, as part of ongoing attacks targeting Palestinians and their property in the area.
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