A Palestinian lawmaker was among at least 13 activists arrested by Israeli forces on Monday in an operation targeting resistance movement Hamas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
In a statement, the Israeli army said the operation was aimed at breaking up a Hamas "cell" that had been planning attacks and working to undermine the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority.
Those detained Monday were part of the group's local command structure in the West Bank and were funded by the Hamas leadership in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, according to the army statement.
Hamas' Change and Reform Party said a total of 16 activists had been arrested in Monday’s raids, including Ahmed Mubarak, a Palestinian lawmaker for the Ramallah area.
On Sunday, Israeli forces also arrested Palestinian journalist Mohamed al-Qeeq, who waged a 94-day hunger strike in 2015 to protest his lengthy detention by Israel without trial.
According to his wife, Fayha Shalash, al-Qeeq -- who was released in May 2016 -- began a new hunger strike yesterday after being rearrested.
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