IOF Arrests Minister of Education, Mayors and Lawmakers

THE WEST BANK, May 24, 2007, (WAFA)- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Thursday morning Minister of Educations, Nassir Eldine al-Shaer, and scores of lawmakers, mayors and citizens in the West Bank, local sources and witnesses said.In the city of Nablus, IOF arrested Minister al-Shaer, mayor of Nablus, Adli Yaish, Mayor of Bieta, Arab al-Shorafa, Mayor of Tell Village, Omar Ishtayyeh, and the head of Syndicate of Scholars in Palestine, Sheikh Hamed al-Bitawi, security sources said.Witnesses in Nablus said that tens of Israeli vehicles stormed the city, and the nearby villages. They added that Israeli soldiers searched tens of houses and arrested several people including mayors and lawmakers.The sources added that the total of the arrested in Nablus reached thirteen citizens.In the meantime, IOF arrested mayors of Sammoa', Jamal Abu al-Jadayel, of Taffouh, Khled al-Tarda and of Beit Kahel, Ahmed Asafrah, all from the Governorate of Hebron.Earlier, on Thursday morning, IOF arrested Mayor of Qalqiliya, Wajieh Qawwas and led him to undisclosed place, security sources said.One more PLC member, Abdulrahman Zaidan, was also arrested in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, WAFA reporter said.In the city of Bethlehem, IOF arrested three citizens and searched scores of houses, witnesses and security sources said.Several other citizens were arrested in various villages in the West Bank, security sources reported.S.A.S. (11:20 P) (08:20 GMT)