Israeli army troops arrested 26 Palestinians in the West Bank cities and villages overnight, Palestinian sources said Tuesday.

The arrests took place in Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm and Qalqilya, the sources added.

According to the sources, the Israeli forces detained seven civilians from the towns of Tulkarm and another seven people from Qalqilya Governorate in northern West Bank.

The 12 others were detained from villages near cities of Bethlehem and Hebron city.

The detention campaign was launched as Israeli armored jeeps and military vehicles stormed those areas.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli army forces also arrested 27 Palestinians in different West Bank areas, according to Palestinian security sources and the Israel Radio.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2009)