Israel rounds up 18 Palestinians in West Bank raids

By Abdul Raouf Arnaout

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Israeli forces have detained 18 Palestinians in overnight raids carried out across the occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli military.

The Palestinians were arrested for “suspected involvement in terrorist activities”, the army claimed -- without elaborating -- in a Thursday statement.

According to Palestinian figures, about 6,400 Palestinians are currently languishing in Israeli prisons, including dozens of women and 300 minors.

Roughly 450 Palestinian prisoners have been placed in “administrative detention” without trial or charge.

Twelve Palestinian lawmakers -- members of the Palestinian Legislative Council -- also remain in Israeli custody.

The Israeli army frequently carries out sweeping arrest campaigns across the occupied West Bank on the pretext of searching for “wanted” Palestinians.