Israeli soldiers invaded, on Sunday at dawn, the southern West Bank districts of Hebron and Bethlehem district, and kidnapped eight Palestinians. Clashes also took place after several Israeli military vehicles invaded Beit Ummar town, near Hebron.In Surif town, near Hebron, soldiers invaded several homes and ransacked them before kidnapping two Palestinians identified as Abed Hosni Abu ar-Reesh, 22, and ‘Aahed Abu Fara, 25.
A third Palestinian was kidnapped in the town while heading back home from Jericho; he has been identified as Ayman Mohammad Barad’eyya, 22.
Local sources said soldiers also invaded his family home, and confiscated a computer.
Soldiers also invaded Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, and kidnapped Montaser Fathi Ekhlayyel, 23, who works as a guard of the local town council.
Mohammad Awad, spokesperson of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar, said several soldiers stormed the home of Ekhlayyel, violently searched it causing property damage tore pictures of late President Yasser Arafat, before forcing Ekhlayyel’s father to take them were his son works, and kidnapped the son.
Ekhlayyel is a former political prisoner who spent three years in Israeli prisons, interrogation and detention centers.
The invasion led to clashes between the soldiers and local youths, while the army fired gas bombs, rubber-coated metal bullets and rounds of live ammunition.
Many residents suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation, and received treatment by local medics.
A number of armored military jeeps also invaded Beit ‘Awwa town, southeast of Hebron, while many soldiers patrolled in its streets before withdrawing later on.
In addition, soldiers invaded the al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron, and Beit Kahel town, north of the city, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
Dozens of soldiers also invaded the Teqoua’ town, east of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, searched and ransacked several homes, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
In related news, local sources in occupied East Jerusalem said the soldiers and the Police have kidnapped thirteen Palestinian workers for “entering the city and working there without a permit.”
The soldiers also kidnapped a former political prisoner in the city.
