ICSPR Condemning Continued Arbitrary Arrests by Security Forces in the West Bank and Calling for the Immediate Release of Detainees
Date: January 23, 2025
Press Release
ICSPR: Condemning Continued Arbitrary Arrests by Security Forces in the West Bank and Calling for the Immediate Release of Detainees
The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) strongly condemns the escalation and continuation of arbitrary arrests by security forces in the West Bank, targeting journalists and activists on political grounds, resistance to Israeli occupation, or expressing opinions. These actions include the arrest of approximately 65 residents of Jenin Refugee Camp during a 45-day security campaign. Despite an agreement reached through national and community efforts to halt the campaign, withdraw security forces from the camp, release political detainees, and lift the siege, the security forces have failed to release detainees and have continued to pursue and arrest individuals.
Even as the Israeli army’s aggression on Jenin Camp persists, Palestinian security forces have continued their campaign, targeting prominent resistance activists from the Jenin Brigade. Those detained include Samer Murad, Mohammed Al-Hasri, Jihad Taleb, Suhaib Turkman, Tawfiq Ighbariya, Mahmoud Abu Nahl, and Ahmed Abu Amira, in addition to confiscating their weapons. Detainee Abada Rawajba, who was wounded, was also arrested. Security forces were documented besieging Al-Razi Hospital in Jenin and firing shots inside while attempting to arrest members of the Jenin Brigade.
New videos and images on social media reveal citizens being arrested and subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment by members of the Palestinian security forces.
The arrests have also targeted journalists. Last Wednesday night, security forces stormed the home of Al-Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Al-Atrash in Hebron and arrested him following his coverage of the Israeli army’s raid on Jenin. He is currently being held at the Hebron Prosecutor’s Office for investigation. Days earlier, journalist Jivara Al-Budairi of Al-Jazeera was arrested on Saturday evening for covering the release of children and women prisoners as part of the deal between resistance factions in Gaza and the Israeli occupation. These actions are deliberate attempts to obstruct and prevent the work of Al-Jazeera journalists, despite the illegality of closing their office and banning their operations.
ICSPR documented over 300 cases of arbitrary arrests in 2024 alone by Palestinian security forces in the West Bank. These arrests were politically motivated, linked to resistance, or based on opinion. Detainees included individuals held at the discretion of governors and many arrested by plainclothes security personnel while dispersing peaceful gatherings. Despite these violations, no measures have been taken to hold security force members accountable. The reported violations include abuse, assault on detainees, and continued detention without due legal process, in clear violation of Palestinian laws and international conventions signed by the State of Palestine. Such actions highlight the political cover afforded to these security forces, undermining the rule of law and perpetuating violations of personal and public rights.
ICSPR renews its condemnation of these violations and calls for:
- Immediate and unconditional release of journalist Mohammed Al-Atrash and all political detainees arrested for resisting the occupation or expressing opinions, as well as ensuring that security forces comply with the rule of law and respect the rights of detainees.
- Investigations by the Public Prosecutor into arbitrary arrests, including procedural violations, whether detainees were held based on warrants, and if they were subjected to torture or degrading treatment. Those responsible for such violations must be held accountable.
- The President and Palestinian Government to adhere to national consensus decisions, uphold the rule of law, sever ties with the occupying state, and issue directives to protect rights, freedoms, and social harmony. ICSPR also calls for a serious national dialogue to rebuild the Palestinian political system on democratic foundations, ensuring national unity and a comprehensive plan to counter Israeli crimes.
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International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR)
