News / Palestine

Israel arrests several Hamas leaders in al-Khalil

Thursday, 12 December 2019 10:21 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 12 December 2019 10:27 AM ]

The file photo shows Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank. (By Ma’an)

Israeli forces have arrested several leaders of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement in al-Khalil (Hebron) in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli forces arrested former member of the Legislative Council Muhammad Jamal al-Natshah, former minister Issa al-Jabari, Sheikh Abd al-Khaleq al-Natshah, Sheikh Jawad Bahr al-Natshah, Mazen al-Natshah, and Omar al-Qawasmi, in pre-dawn raids in al-Khalil on Thursday, the Palestinian Ma’an news agency reported, citing local sources.

In a statement, carried by the Palestine Information Center, Hamas confirmed the arrests, saying that the Israeli campaign of arrests “is an attempt to disrupt Palestine’s internal political life” and that “arrest and abduction is one of the most important tools for the occupying regime in making this attempt.”

“The occupation makes these arrests a couple of days before the anniversary of foundation of the Hamas resistance movement. However, we are and we will be absolutely committed to achieve [sic] our goal (liberation of Palestinian territories and al-Quds) and to continue our path with determination and steadfastness,” further said Hamas, which is based in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Earlier this year, Hamas and Tel Aviv reached an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire after exchanges of fire. However, Tel Aviv has since violated the truce several times by conducting airstrikes against the strip.

On Saturday, Hamas also warned of an “upcoming outburst of rage” against the Israeli regime over its persistent violations of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds and Muslim worshipers in the complex.

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