News|Occupied West BankIsraeli forces take over homes, impose curfew on West Bank’s QabatiyaIncursion follows Israeli defence minister’s order for military to ‘act forcefully’ against the Palestinian town.

On Sat, Dec 2, 2023, Israeli forces executed a comprehensive military operation in Qabatiya, located in the occupied West Bank. This action included mass arrests and the evacuation of numerous families. The operation was conducted under orders from Israel’s Defense Minister.

Israeli forces imposed a full curfew on Qabatiya, sealing off all entrances. During the operation, several homes were converted into military interrogation centers, displacing occupants. The military's actions were reported to include rounding up and interrogating dozens of residents.

According to a statement released on Fri, Dec 1, 2023, by Israel's military, troops from various divisions were deployed in the area, including border police and members of the Shin Bet security service. Forces raided the home of a suspect accused of a recent attack in northern Israel and indicated plans to demolish the residence.

The military announced its intent to scan additional locations and arrest wanted individuals while searching for weapons in Qabatiya.

In addition to the operations in Qabatiya, Israeli military raids were reported in other parts of the occupied West Bank, including areas near Ramallah and Hebron. These incursions involved the arrest of eight individuals from the towns of Dura, Abda, and Imreish.

Since Oct 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have arrested nearly 21,000 Palestinians. As of Dec 1, 2023, approximately 9,300 Palestinian prisoners remain in Israeli jails, with over a third detained without formal charges.

Reports indicate that some Palestinian detainees have faced severe treatment, including torture and abuse while in custody.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.