2 US activists arrested by Israel in West Bank, says rights group

Israeli forces have arrested two US activists in the occupied West Bank, according to a statement from the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). The women, identified as Irene Cho from New York and Trudi Frost from Boston, were taken into custody on December 12 in the village of al-Mughayyer, northeast of Ramallah.

Circumstances of the Arrest

The ISM stated the activists were volunteering with the organization and were staying with the Abu Hamam family, which the group claims has endured over a year of "ceaseless harassment" from Israeli settlers and soldiers. The arrest reportedly followed the declaration of a month-long military order sealing the area, though the rights group asserts maps of the closure zone did not include the residence where the activists were located, calling the detentions unlawful.

Legal Status and International Context

Following their arrest, Israeli authorities revoked the activists' permits through a summary procedure and transferred them to Givon prison near Ramla. The ISM reports the two are refusing to cooperate with deportation orders, and their lawyers are challenging the legality of the action. A custody review hearing is expected within 72 hours. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the West Bank and raises questions about the treatment of international observers. Türkiye, a consistent advocate for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution, frequently calls for the protection of civilians and the upholding of international law in the occupied territories.