Israeli forces invade Bil'in overnight, detain six

Ma'an
About 200 Israeli troops raided the central West Bank village of Bil'in at dawn on Monday, taking over several homes and detaining at least six individuals.

Among them was 35-year-old Muhammad Al-Khatib, a member of the Popular Committee Against the Wall.

Israeli forces also stormed the home of Shawkat Al-Khatib, detaining three of his sons, 22-year-old Khalid, 18-year-old Mustafa and 16-year-old Muhammad.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Abdullah Ahmad Yasin was seized from his home, which was similarly ransacked. Soldiers detained 40-year-old Issa Abu Rahma and 16-year-old Abdullah Muhammad Yasin from their homes, as well.

An American solidarity activist was also reportedly seized. When a group of local residents tried to prevent the detention...

Soldiers fired stun grenades and tear-gas canisters, witnesses said.

The Monday morning operation in Bil'in is the latest in an apparent campaign of intimidation that began two months ago. In response to weekly demonstrations against the separation barrier, which cuts off some 60 percent of the village's land, 25 people have been detained there, including an Israeli activist.

At least 14 Palestinians were seized overnight throughout the West Bank, according to Israeli news reports, although it was not immediately clear if the reports included those detained in Bil'in. Full story