Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas condemned the arrest campaign conducted by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank.

The movement said in a statement, a copy of which obtained by Safa, that "We denounce the arrest campaigns against Palestinian citizens in the occupied West Bank, including the detention of Hamas official Nidhal al-Qawasmeh from Hebron and Palestinian journalist Alaa al-Rimawi from Al-Bireh by Israeli occupation forces."

"The suppression of the media reiterates that the Israeli occupation is irritated by the truth and the message carried by the free press, which is in line with the Palestinians’ aspirations as it reflects their suffering under the occupation," it added.

Meanwhile, Hamas called on all human rights groups and media organizations to stand up for al-Rimawi and expose the Israeli occupation and its practices in front of the related international human rights bodies.

It also urges the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) to play its role in protecting Palestinian journalists and prosecuting the Israeli occupation through international media organizations.

"The continuation of Israeli arrest campaigns against Hamas officials in the occupied West Bank aimed at intimidating candidates in order not run for Palestinian elections," the statement underlined.

"Such a desperate attempt by the Israeli occupation reflects a fascist, suppressive mentality against the Palestinian rights, foremost among them the right to vote and the freedom of expression."

Source : Safa