Newsweek has reached out to the Jerusalem Municipality for comment via email. The arrests highlight the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestinians, especially in light of the ceasefire that ended a major conflict.

Officials say that three Israelis and five Thais are among the hostages due to be released by Hamas on Thursday

Under the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, thousands of Palestinians have begun the painful journey back to their homes in northern Gaza. After being displaced for over 16 months, many are returning to find their homes destroyed and their communities shattered.

Just when it seemed like that at long last peace had come to Gaza, it now looks as if the wheels might be coming off the ceasefire agreement before the ink is dry. As a reminder, Israel and Hamas approved a ceasefire-hostage agreement on 15 th January this year.

The armed wing of the Islamic Jihad group, an ally of Hamas, released a video on January 27 showing the Israeli female hostage Arbel Yehud alive, before she is due to be released along with two other hostages later this week.