PA security forces arrest supporters of hunger strikers in West Bank

The Palestinian Authority security services in the occupied West Bank arrested 28 activists and journalists in 48 hours and summoned seven others, including senior Hamas officials.

All the activists, journalists and Hamas officials were arrested for reasons related to activities carried out in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike for 50 days. Female activists and Hamas members were also attacked.

In Ramallah, the security services arrested a number of university students during their participation in solidarity activities with hunger strikers. In response, the Islamic Bloc, Hamas’ student arm, started an open-ended sit-in in Berziet University’s campus.

They also arrested Islam Faqha, nephew of Palestinian parliamentarian Abduljaber Faqha who was arrested by the Israeli occupation. In the same city, they arrested cameraman Mo’az Amarneh after he refused to hand over the material he’d recorded.

The sons of Parliamentarian Hasan Yousef and Hamas leader Jamal Al-Taweel, who is on hunger strike in Israeli jails, were also arrested.

In Nablus, the security services arrested Hamas senior leader Sheikh Nazih Abu Oun after they beat and dragged him on the ground. Medical reports showed that Abu Oun suffered severally after being slapped in the face.

The security services also activist for prisoners’ rights Imad Ishtewi.