The arrest by the Israeli authorities of Montaha Altaweel has been condemned by Ahrar Centre for Studies on Human Rights and Prisoners. Ms. Altaweel is one of the most active women working in the prisoners' solidarity movement; her husband is the mayor of Albera, Gamal Altaweel.

Fouad Alkhafesh, the Director of the Centre, regards Ms. Altaweel's arrest as a cowardly act that aims to undermine the Palestinian family. "This seeks to destroy our social fabric by targeting and terrifying women activists," he said.

Montaha Altaweel, 45, is one of the most prominent Palestinian activists for the defence of prisoners and their rights. She has led almost all of the demonstrations held in Ramallah and Albera for solidarity with prisoners, and is a member of many committees defending men and women in Israeli custody.

According to Mr. Alkhafesh, from evidence of the new strategy which is emerging it is clear that the Israelis want to increase the number of Palestinian women in detention, in order to humiliate and, ultimately, deter other Palestinians from social activism. He condemned the escalation in the number of arrests of Palestinians in the West Bank by the Israeli occupation forces.