Over 500 arrested in Israeli anti-terror sweeps in West Bank
Israeli security forces have arrested more than 500 suspects in anti-terrorism operations in the West Bank since the escalation of the conflict with Hamas, the Israeli military announced on Thursday.
As of now, 524 individuals, including at least 330 active members of the Islamist organization that launched a major assault on Israel from Gaza on October 7, are being held.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also disclosed that over 50 weapons have been confiscated.
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The security situation in the West Bank has become increasingly tense since the bloody attack by hundreds of Palestinian fighters on Israeli border communities 12 days ago.
Hamas remains popular among the Palestinian population of the landlocked territory adjoining Jordan. There are no official numbers of Hamas members.
However, a poll conducted in September revealed that Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, could expect half of the vote if the only other candidate was Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
dpa/NAN