Bethlehem: Israeli occupation forces detained a Palestinian citizen and confiscated gold jewelry on Tuesday during a raid on the city of Bethlehem. This incident coincided with a broader campaign of raids that encompassed several refugee camps and towns within the governorate.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, security sources reported that the forces detained Mufleh Zawahra after conducting a raid and search of his home in the Wadi al-Jamal area, located in central Bethlehem. During this search operation, soldiers reportedly confiscated gold jewelry valued at 10,000 shekels (approximately $10,000).
The raid extended to the Dar Hamid area, where occupation forces inspected and scanned surveillance cameras installed on the exteriors of homes and shops. The campaign further included the al-Azza, al-Dheisheh, and Aida refugee camps, as well as the cities of Beit Sahour and Beit Jala, and the towns of al-Khader, Artas, and Jannat. However, no additional home raids or arrests were recorded in these locations at the time of reporting.
Additionally, the forces established a military checkpoint at the western entrance of the Bethlehem Governorate's western countryside. Local sources indicated that this checkpoint was set up under the "bridge" in the Aqabat Hasna area, which serves as the main western entrance to the towns of Battir and Nahhalin, as well as the villages of Husan and Wadi Fukin. This action caused significant traffic congestion as vehicles were stopped, searched, and citizens' IDs were checked.
The Bethlehem Governorate has experienced a notable increase in the frequency of nighttime raids, thefts, and violations against civilians and their property. These actions are part of the occupation's ongoing strategy to intimidate residents and maintain security control over the area.
