Two US activists arrested by Israel in occupied West Bank, rights group says

WASHINGTON, United States (AA) — Two US activists were arrested by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank while opposing the forced displacement of a Palestinian family, according to the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).

The group said Irene Cho, from New York, and Trudi Frost, from Boston, were detained on Dec. 12 in the village of al-Mughayyer, northeast of Ramallah, where they were staying with the Abu Hamam family. The activists were volunteering with the ISM at the time of their arrest.

According to the movement, the Abu Hamam family has faced “ceaseless harassment and assault” by Israeli settlers and armed forces for more than a year, amid growing pressure on Palestinian communities in the area.

ISM said Israeli authorities revoked the activists’ stay permits through what it described as a summary procedure before transferring them to Givon prison near the city of Ramla.

The arrests reportedly followed claims by Israeli forces that a “month-long military order” had been issued to seal the area. However, the ISM said maps attached to the order did not include the Abu Hamam residence within the restricted zone, raising questions about the legality of the detentions.

The rights group said Cho and Frost are refusing to cooperate with deportation orders while their lawyers challenge the move in court. Both activists are expected to appear before a custody review panel within 72 hours.

Israeli authorities have not publicly commented on the arrests.