HEBRON, Tuesday, August 20, 2019 (WAFA) – Israeli forces dawn Tuesday detained 17 Palestinians from various parts of the occupied West Bank, said Palestine Prisoner’s Society (PPS).

Israeli military vehicles raided Beit Kahel town, northwest of Hebron, where soldiers detained six Palestinians, including three brothers of Kassem Asafra, one of two Palestinians suspected of killing an off-duty Israeli soldier outside the settlement of Ofra almost two weeks ago.

A similar Israeli military raid was carried out in Surif town, northwest of Hebron, where soldiers seized a prisoner’s vehicle.

Meanwhile, PPS confirmed that three Palestinians were rounded up from the southern West Bank district of Bethlehem.

Two of the detainees were identified as brothers from Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem city.

Soldiers also raided Beit Ta‘mir village, southeast of Bethlehem city, where they seized the title deeds of a plot of land belonging to the Abu Mhaimeed family.

In Jerusalem district, PPS said that Israeli police detained two Palestinians from Silwan neighborhood, two others from Issawiyeh village and another from the vicinity of Bab al-Sahira, also known as Herod’s Gate.

Meanwhile, PPS confirmed that two Palestinians were detained from Jenin city and another from Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank.

Israeli forces carry out frequent raids across the West Bank –including occupied East Jerusalem-- 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.