Israeli forces arrested 56 suspected terrorists, including 27 Hamas operatives, in Judea and Samaria overnight on Wednesday in a joint operation of the Israel Defense Forces, Israel Police and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the IDF said.
Arrest raids were carried out in Jenin, Qalandiya, Qalqilya, Jalazone, Tulkarm and Jaba’, as well as in Abu Dis, an Arab village within the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem but outside the security perimeter of the Israeli capital.
During the operation in the northern Samaria city of Jenin, Palestinian terrorists opened fire at Israeli troops, Israel Hayom reported, citing an IDF source. Terrorists also hurled improvised explosives at soldiers, per the report.
In Qalqilya, Jaba’ and Jalazone, Palestinian rioters threw stones at the forces, who responded by opening fire. During raids in Qalandiya and Tulkarm, Israeli forces located and confiscated weapons, ammunition and military equipment.
No casualties were reported to Israeli forces.
On Saturday morning, Hamas terrorists infiltrated several Israeli communities, killing at least 1,300 people. Some 3,000 were wounded in shooting and rocket attacks over the weekend, and the official toll continues to climb.
In response, the Israeli military launched “Operation Swords of Iron” against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Since the beginning of the war with Hamas, Israel has arrested more than 180 suspected terrorists throughout Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley, including 70 Hamas members, Israel Hayom reported.
On Thursday morning, a riot broke out in Samaria after a funeral procession for four Hamas members attempted to pass through the Route 60 highway near Ariel. Jewish residents stopped the terror convoy from proceeding, per Israel National News.
Participants in the Palestinian funeral procession, which reportedly had IDF approval but included Hamas flags, clashed with Israeli civilians and security forces, per Channel 14.
“We will not allow Hamas processions in Samaria,” stated Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council.
“At a time when the State of Israel is facing Nazis and human animals, we should be filled with shame and embarrassment for not preventing the terrorist honor procession on a central road in Samaria, in the heart of the State of Israel,” he added.
On Tuesday, a rocket launched by Hamas in Gaza killed a Palestinian in Samaria. The 34-year-old was identified as Ali Muhammad Elyan, from the Arab town of Baqa al-Sharqiya north of Tulkarm. He died either from shrapnel or a direct hit, per Hebrew media.
Six Palestinians were injured by the rocket shrapnel, including two seriously, Wafa reported. Surrounding buildings and homes in the area were also damaged.
