Israeli security forces arrested 29 Hamas activists overnight during a major sweep in the northern West Bank, the army said on Wednesday, AFP reported.
A Palestinian security source confirmed that “around 30 people” had been detained in and around the northern city of Nablus, most of whom were Hamas members.
Among those arrested were university students and a journalist. Troops also confiscated computers and mobile phones, the source said.
The Israeli army confirmed arresting 29 people, among them senior figures within the movement and former prisoners detained for involvement in Hamas activity, in a joint operation which involved soldiers, police, border police and the Shin Bet internal security service.
The sweep raised to 49 the number of Hamas activists arrested by Israel since April 1, the army said.
Hamas, which is the de facto ruler in the Gaza Strip, has also faced a crackdown in the West Bank by the security forces of the Palestinian Authority, which is dominated by the rival Fatah movement.
In March, between 40 and 60 Hamas activists were arrested by Palestinian security forces.
