Hamas spokesman Hassan Yousef was arrested Thursday during raids Israel conducted across the West Bank, according to Israeli authorities.
Yousef was arrested “on suspicion of acting on behalf of Hamas,” the Israel Security Agency Shin Bet told CNN on Friday.
Yousef is a leading Palestinian political figure, serving as the official Hamas spokesperson in the West Bank and holding a seat on the Palestinian Legislative Council.
CNN previously reported that Yousef was believed to be among more than 60 members of Hamas detained by Israel in raids across the West Bank, the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory that is increasingly feeling the impact of the fighting in Gaza.
Some context: Yousef has been arrested by Israeli forces on several occasions and has spent a total of 24 years in Israeli jails on various charges of incitement, entering Jerusalem without permission and for being a Hamas member.
Persons:
Hassan Yousef, Yousef, “, Israel
Organizations:
West Bank, Israel Security Agency Shin Bet, CNN, Palestinian Legislative Council
Locations:
Israel, Gaza, Jerusalem, Globe