Israeli army kidnaps 23 Palestinians across the West Bank in pre-dawn invasions

Tuesday March 18, 2008 19:13

by Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News

The Israeli army targeted several areas of the West Bank on Tuesday at dawn, kidnapping at least 23 Palestinians, local sources reported.

Israeli troops kidnapping a Palestinian civilian in Hebron â€“ Photo by IMEMC's Ghassan Bannoura -File 2008

The sources stated that most of the kidnappings took place in the northern West Bank cities of Jenin, Qalqilia, Nablus and Tulkarem; while another kidnapping took place in the central West Bank city of Ramallah. There was also a abduction operation in Bethlehem city, in the southern West Bank.

In Bethlehem, Israeli troops surrounded the house of Fawaz Khalifah, 48. Troops opened fire at the house and called on Khalifah to turn him self over to their custody. After a two-hour standoff, troops stormed the house, forcing the family into the street, before abducting Khalifah, taking him to an unknown location, eyewitnesses reported.

In other parts of the West Bank, the Israeli army searched and ransacked homes in Nablus city and nearby refugee camps. Troops left after with six abducted men.

Meanwhile, four Palestinian civilians were reported kidnapped by Israeli forces during a campaign in the city of Qalqilia. Israeli soldiers also attacked and searched homes in Nur-Shamss refugee camp, located in the city of Tulkarem, kidnapping four civilians and removing them to undisclosed detention facilities, Palestinian sources reported.

The Israeli army stated that troops attacked several West Bank towns and cities, and kidnapped 23 Palestinians. Those abducted were all reported to be "wanted" by the army.