Israeli forces have arrested Tayseer Abu Sneina, the mayor of Hebron, during a raid on his home. The news was first reported by Haaretz, citing Palestinian media, which stated that Abu Sneina was taken for questioning and subsequently arrested for reasons that are currently unclear. His son, Meza, informed the press that the family does not know his current whereabouts. Furthermore, a curfew was imposed on the Hebron district as of yesterday, with Israeli forces blocking all entrances and exits to the area.
Separately, Israeli attacks in Gaza since early this morning have killed at least 17 Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera, which cited sources from hospitals within the Strip. Among the casualties, six individuals were reportedly attempting to access aid, while others were killed or injured in Israeli airstrikes on homes in Gaza City and Deir el-Balah.
In related news, the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had been forced to return to Barcelona due to bad weather, has resumed its course toward Gaza. The aid mission has been labeled a group of “terrorists” by the Israeli government, while Italian opposition leader Elly Schlein has called for the flotilla to be defended.
Amid these events, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir during a security cabinet meeting held overnight. Netanyahu demanded that the military “cease its media briefings,” arguing they “harm cohesion and fighting spirit and are not legitimate in a democracy.” He added, “Discussions can be held inside the room, but outside there must be an iron fist and a united front.” Zamir did not respond to the criticism.