Jerusalem, 23 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli police arrested nine Palestinians staying in Israel illegally during a nighttime operation in Umm al-Fahm, including five residents of the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported Friday.
Israeli police made the arrests during a targeted security operation to locate and apprehend individuals residing in Israel without valid permits. Police officers searched the area and detained the suspects for questioning.
The presence of five Gazans among those arrested drew particular attention amid heightened security concerns following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre and the ongoing war against the terrorist organization.
The suspects were taken into police custody for further investigation, while authorities are expected to examine how they entered Israel and whether they had assistance from residents.
Israeli security forces regularly conduct operations to locate illegal residents, citing concerns about potential terrorist activity and the need to prevent security breaches.
