Israeli forces carry out arrests, storm neighborhoods across occupied East Jerusalem

Israeli forces carried out arrests during raids in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday, said the Jerusalem Governorate.

Israeli authorities also detained a guard at Al-Aqsa Mosque before releasing him under conditions, including a seven-day ban from the Old City and a fine, while another guard was issued a six-month ban from the mosque.

In the Shuafat refugee camp northeast of Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted a Palestinian man as he attempted to protect his disabled brother, who was detained for a short period and also subjected to abuse before being released, the governorate said.

In Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, shops closed in the Al-Thawri neighborhood as Israeli forces and municipal teams stormed the area, set up checkpoints and issued fines against businesses and vehicles.

The Jerusalem Governorate said the violations form part of a systematic policy against Palestinians, including physical assaults, arrests, restrictions and economic pressure.

About 750,000 Israeli occupiers live in the West Bank, including around 250,000 in East Jerusalem, in settlements considered illegal under international law, according to Palestinian estimates.
More than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed and about 12,000 others injured in attacks by the Israeli army and occupiers in the West Bank since October 2023, according to Palestinian figures.

*Writing by Tarek Chouiref