[48146] Wide-scale wave of raids and arrests in Judea and Samaria on World Press Freedom Day
Wave of raids and arrests in Judea and Samaria and the marking of World Press Freedom Day
During a day filled with security incidents across the West Bank, the occupation forces continued to carry out wide-scale raids in cities and villages, including Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem. According to reports by Quds News Network, the forces carried out arrests of civilians, including women, and conducted field interrogations in homes and businesses.
Key events on the ground
In the city of Nablus, ongoing clashes and injuries were reported, including a young man who was seriously wounded by gunfire during a raid in the heart of the city, as reported by Quds News Network. Simultaneously, military forces operated in the villages around Tulkarm, where, according to Nablus Post, school students were forced to return home due to the entry of the forces. In Hebron, raids on the southern area were reported, as well as the arrest of Amin al-Haroub, a winning candidate in the local elections, according to local sources.
World Press Freedom Day: Protest and reports of harm to journalists
In parallel with the military activity, today (May 3, 2026) marked World Press Freedom Day in a grim atmosphere. According to reports by Shehab Agency, journalist Islam Amarna was arrested during a raid on the Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem. Palestinian organizations published data indicating that since October 2023, more than 260 journalists have been killed, and over 40 journalists are held in detention in Israeli prisons.
Hamas movement stated, as published by Quds News Network, that "the Zionist occupation continues its brutal aggression against the Palestinian journalist" and called on the international community to "bear legal and humanitarian responsibility." Protest rallies were also held in cities like Gaza under the title "Occupation Crimes against Journalists," demanding protection for media personnel operating in the field.