Israeli forces detain 12 Palestinian workers near Atarot colony north of Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, March 22, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces detained 12 Palestinian workers on Sunday evening as they attempted to enter occupied Jerusalem near the Atarot colonial settlement north of the city, after they managed to cross parts of the separation wall.

“JERUSALEM, March 22, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces detained 12 Palestinian workers on Sunday evening as they attempted to enter occupied Jerusalem near the Atarot colonial settlement north of the city, after they managed to cross parts of the separation wall”

WAFA Agency

Local sources reported that occupation forces set up an ambush for the workers, detained them, and transferred them to an unknown location, with their health status and whereabouts currently unknown.

The incident occurs amid increasing efforts by Palestinian workers to reach their workplaces in Jerusalem and within the 1948 territories, as strict work permit restrictions compel them to take hazardous routes, including climbing the wall or passing through its gaps.

Rights organizations and local sources reported that since the beginning of this year, workers in northern Jerusalem, particularly around Al-Ram town, have sustained injuries from live fire by occupation forces while attempting to cross the wall, as well as from falls while climbing.

“JERUSALEM, March 22, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces detained 12 Palestinian workers on Sunday evening as they attempted to enter occupied Jerusalem near the Atarot colonial settlement north of the city, after they managed to cross parts of the separation wall”

WAFA Agency

Similar incidents last year led to fatalities and injuries of varying severity.