Dura is a Palestinian city located in the southern West Bank, occupied territories, southwest of Hebron/Al-Khalil. It is part of the Hebron Governorate and is situated approximately 7 kilometers (around 4 miles) from the city of Hebron. Dura is one of the larger municipalities in the area and is surrounded by several smaller villages and agricultural lands. The city has a rich history and is known for its agricultural production, including olives and grapes. Dura has also been affected by the Israelian occupation of their territories including land issues and access restrictions

Mass arrest on October 31, 2024

The Israeli army launched a massive arrest campaign in Dura, south of Hebron, West Bank on Thursday October 31 in the morning, targeting more than 20 former prisoners. All the operation was filmed by resident in neigborhood. The Israeli forces turned Dura homes, such as that of Nayef Rjoub and another in Tabaqa, into makeshift detention and interrogation centers. Soldiers raised an Israeli flag provocatively over Rjoub’s house.

The raid lasted 11 hours, causing significant disruption; schools in Dura were suspended. Leaflets with threatening warnings against attacking the army or settlers were distributed to residents.

Treatment of Detainees:

Detainees were blindfolded, handcuffed, insulted, and kept in harsh, inhumane conditions. A unique method was observed where soldiers wrote numbers on the detainees’ foreheads, using these numbers to address them and provoke them.

Unlike previous methods where detainees were transferred to known interrogation centers, soldiers now hold and abuse them locally, sometimes claiming the right to detain them for up to six hours without formal documentation.

Testimonies gathered by MiddeL East Eyes

Osama Shaheen: Released in August after 10 months of administrative detention. His home was violently raided, and furniture was destroyed. He was detained, blindfolded, and taken to the house of Nayef Rjoub, used as a temporary holding center. Shaheen reported being violently interrogated and beaten, particularly on his head and chest.

Ayed Dudin: A paramedic released in July, whose home was also stormed while he was out assisting those injured in the raid. His son, Mohammed, was taken in his absence. Despite Dudin surrendering himself to secure his son’s release, both were detained and subjected to beatings, with numbers marked on their foreheads.

Pattern of Raids:

Arrest campaigns in the West Bank are frequent and often involve former prisoners as a method of intimidation and community pressure. During these operations, entire areas are shut down, snipers are deployed on buildings, and military vehicles block streets, limiting residents' movement.

Rights Violations:

Reports indicate most detainees face beatings during arrest campaigns. The Palestine Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) noted that the raids are lasting longer and becoming more violent, terrorizing residents.

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