REPORT: 120 GAZANS ARRESTED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

Gaza, 24 Ramadan 1436/11 July 2015 (MINA) – At least 120 Palestinians were arrested in Gaza Strip since the beginning of year including minors, fishermen, traders, and a woman, a Palestinian rights group said.

The Palestine Center for Prisoners’ Studies revealed that Israeli forces kidnapped 120 Gazans since the start of 2015, representing an increase of 90% compared to the same period last year, where 70 arrests were reported from the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Information Center reported.

Spokesman for the center Riyad Ashqar said that most of the reported arrests were carried out at the Israeli border checkpoints as Gazan residents are forced to cross through it for medical treatment or education purposes.

Four Palestinians were arrested at Bit Hnoun (Erez) checkpoint including a woman while on her way back from West Bank.

The center pointed out that 27 fishermen were kidnapped during the same period after the confiscation of their fishing boats while sailing off Gaza shores.

Since the beginning of 2015, 72 Gazan youths including minors were also arrested for approaching the border fence in an attempt to look for job opportunities in Israel in light of the high employment rates and economic crisis in the besieged strip.

The center documented the arrest of 20 Gazan traders at Israeli checkpoints despite obtaining travel permits.

Ashqar considered traders’ arrest as part of Israeli policy to restrict Palestinian economy and tightening the siege on Gaza.(T/R04/R03)

Mi’raj  Islamic News Agency (MINA)