Israel arrests Palestinian businessman residing in UAE

[ 08/03/2011 - 06:34 PM ]

NABLUS, (PIC)-- A Palestinian businessman residing in the UAE was arrested a few days back while returning to his hometown of Talfit near Nablus, the Tadhamon international human rights foundation reports.

Israeli soldiers intercepted Mahmoud Abdur-Raheem Masaoud, 52, while crossing an Israeli bridge to Palestinian territory, and took him to the Petah Tikva interrogation center, Tadhamon researcher Ahmed al-Beitawi said.

Masaoud had been living abroad for the past 26 years and is one of the largest dealers of dates in the UAE. He has several factories and companies that distribute varieties of dates, and has no political affiliations or prior record of arrest.

Beitawi said Israeli authorities arrest monthly dozens of Palestinians exiting and entering Palestinian territories.

Separately, Israeli forces have arrested eight Palestinians Tuesday morning during incursion operations in the West Bank.

The forces arrested eight ”wanted” persons and transferred them to investigation centers for questioning, Israeli Radio said.

Right groups have pointed out a recent marked increase in Israeli arrests of Palestinians, especially minors.

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