Israel arrests 35 Palestinians in raids

Israeli authorities have arrested at least 35 Palestinians over the last few days in raids following a spike in violence ahead of upcoming Jewish holidays, officials said yesterday.

The arrests have occurred in annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank for reasons ranging from stolen property to suspicions of "terrorism."

Israeli police carried out raids in Issawiya and the Shuafat refugee camp in east Jerusalem over the last two days, arresting 23 people, they said.

"Police operations took place to locate and seize arms and weapons, finding suspects involved in terrorist activity, in riots and criminal activity," a statement said.

Weapons and ammunition had been seized, it said.

"As part of the police operation 23 suspects were arrested on suspicions of terrorism, rioting, possession of illegal weapons, drugs and stolen property," police said.

Israel's military confirmed 12 Palestinians had been arrested overnight in various parts of the West Bank, including four accused of being Hamas operatives and others suspected of unspecified illegal activity.