Israeli forces detained 28 Palestinians in search and arrest raids across the occupied West Bank early Wednesday, local residents and the Israeli army said. Member of a popular committee in the town of Beit Ummar north of Hebron, Muhammad Ayyad Awad, told Ma'an that the forces flooded neighborhoods in the Hebron district, searching homes. Awwad said the forces detained eight residents in Beit Ummar, including four minors. Six of the detainees were indentified as Omar Muhammad Khalil Awad,14, Amr Riyad Issa Arrar,15, Rashid Yousef Bader Awad,16, Muhammad Nidal Amer Abu Maria,16, Ayesh Khalid Sabri Awad,19, and Okal Mahmoud Yousef Ahmad Jawabra,19. Awad added that soldiers stormed al-Fawwar refugee camp, detaining Isaac Hudaib, Sari abu Hashhash and Ali Waleed Naim. Forces also detained Adham Abdul-Salam al Tarda from Hebron's Taffouh area. An Israeli army spokesperson confirmed five arrests in the Hebron district, among 28 total Palestinians detained in the West Bank for "illegal activity." Search and arrest raids -- this year's weekly average numbering over 80 according to UN documentation -- have increased since the beginning of October following attempted, alleged, and actual attacks carried out by Palestinians on Israeli military and civilians. Human Rights Watch last year criticized Israel for large-scale violations often carried out during arrest campaigns. Violations included arbitrary arrest, excessive use of force against residents who did not pose sufficient threat for the lethal use of force, and damage to property and homes. Recent raids are among several measures implemented by Israeli forces that have targeted the Hebron area especially. Residents in the area have reported road closures, sealing of entrances to villages, home demolitions, flying checkpoints, and curfews over the last month.
