The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has reported that at least 60 Palestinians have been arrested so far in Saudi Arabia, although other human rights group estimate that the number could be much higher.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has reported that at least 60 Palestinians have been arrested so far in Saudi Arabia, although other human rights group estimate that the number could be much higher.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly arrested more Palestinians in the Kingdom, as part of an ongoing campaign by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman at imprisoning those supposedly tied to the Palestinian group Hamas.
According to sources speaking to Middle East Eye, Saudi Arabia has arrested dozens of Palestinians since the 10th of February. The majority of those arrested since February have been children and relatives of those arrested in earlier campaigns going back to early 2019.
🔴BREAKING 🔴
We confirm that Saudi authorities have arrested a new group of Palestinians residing in KSA on the grounds of their support to the "Palestinian resistance and Hamas". Some of them are relatives of the detained people who were arrested for the same reason last April. pic.twitter.com/iPQCQEEfNe— Prisoners of Conscience (@m3takl_en) February 12, 2020
Palestinians living in Saudi Arabia are reportedly living in fear, doubtful of whether they too can be arrested for any supposed tie to Hamas or those linked to the group. Many have been forced to flee to neighboring Yemen illegally, out of fear of arrest. Speaking anonymously, one source told MEE:
Everyone has become concerned that the arrest campaign will target them, in light of a situation of extreme incitement against Palestinians, which has escalated since the appointment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince.”
In just September, Hamas announced that Mohammed Saleh al-Khoudary, 82, who had been responsible for managing the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Hamas for more than two decades, was arrested by Saudi Arabia and remains in detention. Arrested among many others, those detained have yet to be informed under what charges they are being held under.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has reported that at least 60 Palestinians have been arrested so far in Saudi Arabia, although other human rights group estimate that the number could be much higher. Dozens, however, are confirmed to be in prison after arrests by Saudi authorities since last month.
Hamas and Saudi Arabia have had a relatively smooth relationship despite severe political differences, however since the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has been forging closer ties with Israel, Hamas has claimed that the Kingdom is now “targeting everyone who is linked with resistance” against the Israeli occupation.
Saudi Arabia’s growing ties with Israel showcase a worrying trend – not only are the lives of Palestinians being ignored for a better relationship with Israel, but even those residing within the Kingdom are being arrested now for their political affiliations. Saudi Arabia continues to hold thousands of political prisoners according to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, where human rights activists are subject to torture, humiliation, and physical and psychological abuse.
