JERUSALEM, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces detained 24 Palestinians across the West Bank over the past 24 hours in a wave of raids targeting suspected militants and arms traffickers, the military said on Wednesday.
In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet domestic security agency, and the Israel Police said nine suspects were arrested overnight during operations in the northern town of Tamun and the nearby Far'a refugee camp. Among those detained were several individuals described as key weapons dealers, including one alleged to have supplied the firearm used in a deadly attack last month that killed an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint.
An M-16 rifle and other weapons were seized during the overnight raids, the statement said.
In separate operations across the territory, another 15 suspects were arrested and seven additional weapons confiscated. All detainees and the seized arms were handed over to Shin Bet and police for further investigation.
Violence in the West Bank has surged since the start of the Gaza war on Oct. 7, 2023. The Israeli military has ramped up operations, particularly in the north, amid a spike in settler attacks and near-daily clashes with Palestinian factions.
According to international humanitarian organizations, around 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza conflict erupted.
Israel captured the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the 1967 Six-Day War. East Jerusalem is regarded under international law as occupied Palestinian territory, and Israel's annexation of the area is not internationally recognized. ■
