Israel arrests over 100 Palestinians in West Bank since Ramadan began

A Palestinian rights group has reported a significant escalation in arrests by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Palestinian Prisoner Society stated on Sunday that over 100 Palestinians have been detained across the territory, including East Jerusalem, since Ramadan commenced on Feb. 18.

Abuse and Destruction Accompany Arrests

According to the group's statement, the arrests have been marked by severe violence and widespread property damage. Detainees and their families were subjected to "severe beating, organized acts of terrorism," the statement read, alongside "widespread sabotage and destruction of citizens' homes, and confiscation of vehicles, money, and gold jewelry." The organization noted that several women and children are among those taken into custody during this period.

Rising Toll of Detainees

The latest arrests bring the total number of Palestinians currently held in Israeli prisons to more than 9,300, a figure that includes approximately 350 children. Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations have repeatedly documented cases of torture, starvation, and medical neglect within the prison system, conditions they say have led to the deaths of dozens of detainees.

The military operations in the West Bank have intensified since the launch of Israel's campaign in Gaza on Oct. 8, 2023. According to local counts, at least 1,117 Palestinians have been killed and around 11,500 others injured in attacks by the army and illegal settlers in the West Bank during this period. The current arrests during Ramadan mark a continuation of this heightened military activity.