At least 12 Palestinians were kidnapped by Israeli forces on Christmas Day, during predawn raids in the occupied West Bank districts of Nablus and Hebron, and in occupied East Jerusalem, according to reports by local and security sources.WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency reports that Israeli army forces broke into the city of Nablus, in the northern West Bank, where they arrested six local residents identified as: Murad Makhlouf, 25, Mohammad Meshal, 25, Muammar Jamous, Mohammad Kaddumi, Abdullah Sheberi and Amjad Abu Rabee.
Israeli soldiers also stormed the nearby village of Kafr Qalil, where they took Alaa Mansour, who is said to be a warrant officer with the Palestinian police.
Forces also raided the city of Hebron, in a search campaign to arrest Salaheddine Qawasmi, age 22.
Soldiers stationed at the entrance of the nearby town of Beit Ummar reportedly assaulted a local resident with a stun baton before taking him. He was identified as Mohammad Maharmeh, age 23.
Meanwhile, Israeli police broke into the neighborhoods of Issawiya and Sur Baher, in occupied East Jerusalem and abducted three Palestinians. Two were identified as Hassan Jamjoum and Ali Darwish.
Army forces additionally stormed the village of Araqa, to the west of Jenin, where they raided a house and interrogated residents.
WAFA further reports that most of these daily arrests are carried out during the night and before dawn, spreading panic among civilians, especially children. The Israeli military, nevertheless, claims that night raids, unlike day raids, are to minimize contact with angry local residents and the outbreak of clashes.
