Palestinian Legislative Council President Arrested by Israeli Authorities: Hamas Condemns ‘Brutal and Vindictive’ Act

During a recent operation in the West Bank, Palestinian Legislative Council President Aziz Dueik was arrested by Israeli authorities. According to Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, three people were detained in the raid, including Dueik, who had been released by Israeli authorities just a short time before.

Hamas condemned Dueik’s arrest as “brutal and vindictive,” calling on human rights organizations to intervene and pressure Israel for his release. The group accused the occupation of trying to break Dueik’s resolve and undermine the democratic process in Palestine.

Dueik was elected president of the Palestinian Legislative Council after Hamas won the 2006 elections but due to international rejection of the results, communications were maintained with Mahmoud Abbas of Al Fatah instead. Following his arrest eight months ago, Dueik was detained for his alleged involvement in attacks carried out by Hamas in October that led to numerous casualties. This prompted Israel to launch an offensive in the Gaza Strip resulting in additional deaths and injuries. The Gaza authorities, controlled by Hamas, reported thousands of casualties with additional deaths occurring in the West Bank and East Jerusalem due to Israeli forces or settler attacks.