RAMALLAH, West Bank – On November 12, the Voice of Palestine radio program reported that the Israeli military arrested two Hamas legislators.  According to the report, Mariam Saleh was arrested in Ramallah.  Saleh is the first female lawmaker to be arrested by Israel.  Israel has confirmed Salah’s arrest.  The second arrest, which remains unconfirmed, is of Khaled Tafesh in Bethlehem.

These recent arrests bring the number of detained Hamas lawmakers to 41.  In January 2006, Hamas won the parliamentary elections, winning 74 of the 132 seats.  Hamas accused Israel of trying to interfere with parliament’s ability to meet and function.  Palestinian sources report that 16 others, mostly members of Hamas, were also arrested in the West Bank city of Tulkarm.

For more information, please see:

Al Bawaba – Israel nabs two Hamas lawmakers – 12 November 2007

International Herald Tribune – Two Hamas lawmakers arrested by Israeli troops in West Bank – 12 November 2007

Reuters – Israel arrests two Hamas legislators – 12 November 2007

Yedioth – IDF arrest 2 Hamas lawmakers – 12 November 2007